Every day is Truth and Reconciliation day at YFNED.

Reconciliation starts with education. On this national day — and on every day of the year — we continue to commemorate the truth of our history through our work. We memorialize the children lost to the residential school system. We honour Survivors and their families. We un-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada.

YFNED partnered with Yukon’s Department of Education to host a Professional Development day for all public school administrators (principals and vice-principals) at our land-based campus Amä Kù. It was a fabulous day for admins to learn about hands-on Indigenous and land-based learning, including activities like:

• Butchering a fresh moose

• Making dry meat and using a traditional smokehouse

• Traditional beading

• First Nations language instruction

• Traditional cooking

Thank you to participating Elders and Knowledge Keepers: Annie Bernard, May Bill, Janet Burns, Russel Burns, Roger Ellis, Howard MacIntosh, and Jacine Fox.

We came together on September 15 for another fabulous YFNED All-Staff day full of great learning and fun team-building activities. When we gather together like this, we learn, share, laugh and become a stronger more wholistic organization.

The Chiefs Committee on Education and YFNED are inviting delegations from all 14 Yukon First Nations to come together on Oct 19 for an important presentation and info-sharing event as we progress in developing a Regional Education Agreement between Yukon First Nations and the Government of Canada.

For more information or to book travel contact: adrianna.wondga@yfned.ca

We had a huge turnout to our September 9th feast, with not a crumb of food leftover. So many yummy meals were enjoyed as we served a full pig roast, macaroni and cheese, salad and an ice cream sundae bar! Thanks to Takhini River Ranch for the pork, to our cooks for the yummy side dishes, and to our staff for their help.

Join us for the next Family Feast @ the KDCC on October 21.

Kassi Elanik is an energetic young cook-helper who has temporarily joined our Nutrition Team for a mentorship at the Cache. She is a high school student at the Youth Achievement Centre and her wages are paid through the BYTE youth employment program.

This placement provides Kassi an opportunity to wet her feet in the industry and see if it is something she wants pursue as a career.

Kassi is part of the team that produced nearly a hundred orange cookies that were distributed to students at FH Collins and Porter Creek Secondary Schools on Orange Shirt Day last week.

PRESCHOOL POSTPONED: New start date TBA!!!

DROP-INS: All Indigenous families, whether registered with our program or not, are welcome to attend our drop-ins. There will be snacks, activities, beading and knitting supplies, and a chance to see our space and meet the Early Years team.

If you have any questions about the monthly activities, email EarlyYears@yfned.ca, call 867-667-6962 ext. 123 or check out www.yfned.ca/EarlyYears.

And remember, we have moved to 420 Range Road!

Come join other Indigenous expecting parents or parents of kids aged 0-5 for this great, free program - includes dinner and childcare!

It began on Wednesday, September 20 and runs from 5-7pm every second week until the spring.

For more info and to sign up, email Coralee.Buchanan@yfned.ca