News

Yukon First Nations Elders Gathering June 4; Youth Gathering June 5, 2018

The Yukon Council of First Nations would like help to define the roles of Elder and Youth Executive. Elders Gathering 11 to 4 pm, June 4, 2018 at the Yukon Inn (lunch provided). From 11 to 4pm, June 5, the Youth Gathering will be held at the same location. Contact Jennifer Lee at jennifer.lee@cyfn.net, at 393.9200 ex. 9257.

 

Deputy Chief Telep Attends Yukon Forum, May 7, 2018

Deputy Chief Telep attended the first Yukon Forum of 2018. Government of Yukon leaders and First Nations Chiefs met on Monday, May 7, 2018. The leaders discussed important shared priorities including procurement, infrastructure funding, education and health and wellness. They also reviewed progress being made under the Joint Priority Action Plan, including the completion of an agreement that clarifies how resource royalties are shared under Chapter 23 of the Final Agreements.

Beat the Heat Graduates 2018

Once again, Da Daghay Development Corporation, the development arm of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, is gearing up for the summer fire season. About 60 people participated in our Beat the Heat Bootcamp at the end of April. The eight-day Beat the Heat Bootcamp provides the necessary training for new recruits to be certified as initial attack fire fighters. Last year’s Beat the Heat Bootcamp provided training and employment opportunities to over 20 new recruits from across the Yukon. Da Daghay Development Corporation’s goal is to be the number one supplier for training and certification within this industry in the north. Deputy Chief Michelle Telep was on hand to congratulate this year’s graduates.

 

See some cool footage of Citizens front and centre in Beat the Heat!

North of Ordinary Article about Chinook Salmon Restoration

Journalist/writer Steve Hossack of North of Ordinary interviewed Citizen Coralee Johns on Februrary 21, 2018. Hossack had previously talked to Fish and Wildlife Coordinator, Deb Fulmer. North of Ordinary carried an article about the Fox Creek Salmon Project in their summer issue.

Äsųą K’e Tuesdays til June 5, 2018

There’s still time to take in a fun language class with Nicole Smith before summer. Classes end June 5, but until then, on Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. check out the Dusk’a Learning Centre at 47 McIntyre Road for food, fun and language with/without children up to age 6.

The Fox Creek Salmon Restoration Project Continues

The Fox Creek Salmon Restoration Project continues despite the loss of most of this year’s Chinook salmon fry. The Saturday, March 31, 2018 fire at Yukon College’s McIntyre Creek Incubation Facility on Mountainview Drive resulted in the loss of 25,000 Chinook salmon fry. There may be lower numbers of adult returns for several years with fewer eggs being naturally deposited. The opportunity to train youth and staff in tagging in preparation for the fry release will most likely be diminished this season.

However, this is a well-established and healthy project, dear to the hearts of the Ta’an people. Ta’an Kwäch’än Council will continue to monitor juveniles, flow rates, temperatures, wild fry emergence and the adult returns. While the loss of the Chinook fry in the hatchery is a misfortune, it is heartening that some fry, being raised in schools through the Stream to Sea Program, will be available for release. Through the interest of youth, the strength of our staff and Citizens, and the continued support of our partners and collaborators, the 10-year-old Fox Creek Restoration Project will continue to meet challenges and thrive.

Read more about the story of the fire with CBC, the Whitehorse Star and on April 5, 2018, as well as the Yukon News.