News

Community Statement on Yukon Opioid Crisis

Community Statement on Yukon Opioid Crisis

Ta’an Kwäch’än Council would like to express our deep condolences for the recent tragic losses in Yukon. We grieve with the families and are here to support you. Since our new year began, these drug-related losses are now increasing at an alarming rate right in our backyards. We have lost young ones, citizens, members of our community to the tainted drugs that now fill our streets. Our whole community in Yukon is hurting. The opioid crisis must be at the forefront of this territory’s priorities, as we cannot lose another member of our community.

We are asking everyone to rise-up and take a strong stance against these criminals who are bringing these illicit drugs into our territory only to take advantage of some of our most vulnerable. We have a serious drug issue in Yukon, and we cannot turn our heads. The statistics are troubling and break our hearts. We must come together and address this head on – as governments, non-profit organizations, RCMP, citizens of our community. We need to work together to get these drugs out of our territory and to help those at risk.

Drug use does not “clock out” at a convenient hour, nor should the supports put in place to keep our citizens safe.

We must show our love and support for all those who are suffering and help ensure they know what supports are in place in a time of need. Educate your loved ones on the resources available to help people who are using or thinking of using. We need to share this information with them, help them to get what they need, and always give them our love and attention.

As we face yet another health emergency, let us come together, support one another, love one another and ensure we can all live safe and healthy lives. It is our strength, endurance, and our love that will help us to hold each other up.

In solidarity,
Chief Amanda Leas

More information is available at:
www.bloodties.ca
www.yukon.ca/change-conversation
www.yukon.cmha.ca

Our Condolences: Alice McGuire

Our Condolences: Alice McGuire

Our Condolences: Alice McGuire

It is with a tremendous amount of sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Ta’an Kwäch’än Citizen Alice McGuire who passed away on December 9, 2021. Alice Pamela McGuire (nee Cletheroe) was born on April 1, 1935, and was a member of the Jenny Lebarge Family.

Alice served as the first Aboriginal Female Member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly (1978 to 1982) and went on to become an integral member of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Elder’s Council.

Her dedication and passion for preserving our government’s history will be appreciated for years to come. Her kindness, passion, and strength for building community unity will be forever missed.

On behalf of TKC Council, our hearts are full at this difficult time. We offer our deepest condolences to Alice’s family and sympathy to all in our community who share with us this loss.

-Chief Amanda Leas

Alice McGuire

New Whistle Bend School Opportunities for TKC and KDF Citizens

Open Invitation to TKC Citizens

Ketza Construction, Duncan’s Ltd. and Klondike Welding want to hire TKC and KDFN Citizens for the development of the new Whistle Bend School.

Employment Opportunities

Ketza Construction

  1. Project Coordinator Trainee at the New Whistle Bend School
    2. First Nations Liaison for the New Whistle Bend School Construction

Duncan’s Ltd.

  1. Plumber

Klondike Welding Ltd.

  1. Welder
  2. Apprentice
  3. Labourer
  4. Ironworker
  5. Painters/Sandblaster

 

For a copy of the job descriptions or for assistance preparing your cover letter and resume, please contact Barb Crawford at training@taan.ca or phone 867-668-3613 ext. 410.

Citizen on the Land Opportunity – January-February 2022

Citizen on the Land Opportunity – January-February 2022

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Lands Resources and Heritage have decided to cancel one of two planned bison hunts for the New Year. A hunting trip, originally set for the week of January 17, open to adult Citizens, 18 and older, has been cancelled.

A second ‘women-specific’ “Citizens on the Land” trip is still scheduled to take place in February. Dates will be set as soon as location is confirmed (**it will be February 5-9th or February 12-16th).  The groups will be travelling by snowmobile, overnighting in winterized tents, and learning on-the-land hunting traditions and survival skills.

No experience is necessary to participate. LRH has winter clothing available if needed, just let us know what items you require.

If you are interested in participating in upcoming trips or want to learn more, please contact Dawn Hansen at (867) 668-3613 ext. 602 or email resources@taan.ca

 If you are interested in participating or want to learn more, please contact Dawn Hansen at (867) 668-3613 ext. 602 or email resources@taan.ca.

Recycling today for a better tomorrow

LRH entered a partnership with Raven Recycling and Urban Recycling in the fall of 2021. TKC Citizens have been hired to help remove and transport several ‘end of life’ vehicles abandoned on Ta’an properties. Once removed, the vehicles will be taken to Raven Recycling and Urban Recycling to undergo processing. Chief Amanda Leas and LRH Manager, David Irvine toured the facilities at Urban Auto Recycling and Raven Recycling on November 2, 2021 to learn about the step-by-step process involved.

Once the vehicle is delivered to Raven Recycling, and the tires and other reusable parts are removed, Urban Auto Recycling staff run through the process to ‘de-pollute’ the vehicle safely and efficiently. This involves removing all fluids (fuels, oils, anti-freeze, washer fluids and Freon), to ensure that there are no contamination spills during the processing (baling phase). The vehicles are then crushed with a state-of-the art industrial baler which compresses them into small transportable cubes. Raven Recycling then takes the bales and loads and ships them to southern recyclers. The end product will be used to create new car frames, tires, metal cans, trolleys and other reusable products.
This innovative initiative is in conjunction with TKC’s ongoing efforts to restore Settlement Lands to their natural state. As an urban First Nation, TKC is concerned about increased recreational activity resulting in negative impacts and physical damage to trails, buildings and cultural sites, along with an increase in debris, including abandoned vehicles, left by the public at these sites.

LRH has already targeted 12 vehicles for removal for the program. It is estimated there are about 50 abandoned vehicles on Settlement Lands. LRH Manager, David Irvine estimates all 50 will be safely removed and recycled through this program.