Congrats First Nations grads!

Was such an honour for YFNED to be part of Yukon First Nations Graduation this year. Mähsi Cho - Shäw Nithän - Gunałchish for letting us be a part of your day.

We are so proud of all the students who donned their regalia and walked across the stage - may there be more and more, year after year. And this is just the beginning, we look forward to finding out what you accomplish next!

Welcome babies!

CCOE Education Strategic Plan

On May 14, representatives from all 14 First Nations, including many Chiefs, Elders, youth and staff, gathered in Whitehorse for a day-long education planning session. The CCOE will release a report summarizing and analyzing what was shared during this productive day.

The group spent the day reflecting on the current state of education (graduation rates, curriculum, programming and funding gaps), discussing how to better support First Nations learners, how to best deliver language, culture and history, and how to imagine a system that meets each First Nations’ unique educational aspirations.

The group also discussed a federal funding opportunity called a Regional Education Agreement, that will help meet the educational funding needs of each First Nation.

The First Nations identified representatives for a Technical Table that will continue the work of developing and REA for Yukon. The Technical Table had their first meeting on June 4th and will be meeting on a biweekly basis as the REA advances.

Pasta feasta in June

Spaghetti and meat balls were on the table for our June 1st Family Feast. Thanks to our cooks for putting on another meal - especially after a week in schools, then grad and then this on the weekend!

Save the date: Our next feast is July 13th.

For more information go to yfned.ca/nutrition

Culture camps and the end of the school year

A busy last couple of weeks for our First Nation Education Advocates.

Earlier in May, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith held the official opening and naming of Nän käy kets'adän yū - the new outdoor learning space. It means land-based learning space in Southern Tutchone.

We’ve also been supporting multiple culture camps. Thanks to Elders, Knowledge Holders, Yukon Conservation Officer Services and school staff for their support. Together we are helping Indigenous youth reconnect with the land and traditional activities like meat preparation and making bone tools.

We are hosting summer programming for YFNED learners as well as those who sign up for particular camps. Please follow us on facebook or instagram for the latest, or talk to your First Nation Education Advocates.

Welcome new staff!

Corporate

Serena Stewart started as our new On-Call Data Entry & File Clerk on April 21. Serena is Tetlit Gwich’in

Jaiden Legge joined us on May 27 as our new Administrative Assistant covering reception, Jaiden is Inuit, She will take over for Taylor Legge when she leaves for school.

Early Years

Sherrie Frost joined us on April 22 as the new Early Years Visitor in Old Crow, Sherrie is a member of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and will be covering maternity leave for Bree Josie.

Shirley Lindstrom joined us on May 21 as an Early Years Visitor in Whitehorse, Shirley is a member of Carcross Tagish First Nation, we are happy to see her return.

Teagan Untershute joined Early Years on April 2 as the new Program Assistant. Teagan is a member of Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation.

Nutrition

James Chowdhury joined us as a Cook in Urban Nutrition on April 16.

Kassi Elanik has joined us as a Cook Helper, Kassi is Inuvialuit.

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We are always looking for talented future staff. Check out yfned.ca/jobs for all the details and to apply.

Upcoming events

June 7 - Community BBQ in Haines Junction
June 12 - Community BBQ in Ross River
June 17 - YFNED AGM
July 13 - Family Feast at KDCC

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