March 2021

It’s our fiscal year end. This time last year, YFNED was just a concept. Now we’re a thriving organization with over 50 staff and 20 Elders running four wrap-around service programs — and working to make systemic change in First Nations education.

First Nations School Board Agreement Nears Finish Line

History is in the making as the last of the Chief’s signatures will be collected this April to finalize the First Nation School Board Agreement. This Agreement marks the first step towards First Nations control of First Nations education in the Yukon. It will allow individual school councils to pass a resolution for their school to be operated under the new First Nation School Board.

This Agreement will be officially announced after the territorial election. In advance of the formal announcement, YFNED’s CCOE Technicians are working to support school councils that are interested in passing a resolution. We are also developing a clear set of communications materials to clarify the role and function of the Agreement and new school board.

Above pictured is Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm, Chair of the Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE), signing the document at the March 17 meeting of the CCOE.

Youth Thrived at Spring Break Horse Camp

YFNED Education Advocates and our Mobile Therapeutic Unit offered two hugely successful week-long Spring Break horse camps for First Nations kids at the Heart Bar Ranch in the Ibex Valley. Over 25 youth participated over both sessions.

So many of them benefitted by this opportunity to connect with Elders and First Nations culture while enjoying learning horsemanship and bonding with the therapy horses. There was also delicious, nutritious and traditional food prepared by YFNED’s Nutrition Program team.

Our Brilliant Junior Advocates

YFNED’s senior high school team of Junior Advocates continues to amaze us with their enthusiasm and ingenuity.

Full-time school has resumed after Spring Break but the “Juniors” are still working hard mentoring their peers, tutoring, and assisting the First Nation Education Advocates in school-based culture camps such as the successful two-day camp held at Golden Horn Elementary this March. They also played an important role in the planning and execution of the Spring Break Horse Camps.

Pictured above is the incredible work of Grade 12 student and Junior Advocate Jordan McDonald. Blending science and culture helped her learn — and teach others — the parts of the cell for biology class. Can you identify the endoplasmic reticulum?

Mobile Therapeutic Unit Picking Up Speed

The Mobile Therapeutic Unit (MTU) was excited to participate in the full-day Family Wellness Fair on March 29. Organized by Council of Yukon First Nations, this forum provided the opportunity for First Nations families to interact directly with a variety of service providers — and win cool prizes.

March has been a busy month for community visits and referrals. The Occupational Therapists and Vision Specialist have been invited to schools and have met with families in Pelly Crossing, Carmacks, Dawson City, Haines Junction, and Teslin.

Education Analysts Planning Indigenous Academy

The Education Analysts have been working on the potential launch of an Indigenous Academy at FH Collins Secondary School this August. This exciting new initiative has been proven to be an effective and engaging way to bring First Nations curriculum into the education system.

They are also busy creating Grad Tools which includes a handbook and a poster to provide information and guidance about the various journeys to graduation for First Nations students.

We have also been analyzing data related to the issues and challenges faced by Yukon First Nations students in the K-12 system and developing an approach to use this information to guide program planning.

Nutrition Team Brings Feasts to Whitehorse Schools

Nearly every school in Whitehorse is getting a “mini-feast” care of the YFNED Nutrition Program. Over the month of March, they dished up delicious food at Golden Horn Elementary and Christ the King Elementary. In April, they’ll be at Takhini Elementary, Grey Mountain Primary, Elijah Smith Elementary and Hidden Valley. These feasts are a way to introduce their services to school staff and students — in anticipation of an August launch of a daily hot meals program.

This will complement the current Nutrition Program’s School Snack Service, which ensures nutritious food is available to First Nations learners every day— an essential component of YFNED’s wrap-around service model. For more info call Emma or Eva at (867)667-6962 ext:109 or email emma.dobson@yfned.ca

On April 28, the Nutrition Team will be supporting 10-year old Christ the King Elementary student, Avery, with her “Kaska Day” celebration held at the school. They will be cooking traditional foods for the event that will also include Kaska Dene Drummers, hand games and more. Originally from Ross River, Avery is an incredible young leader in promoting First Nations culture within the school.

Welcome New Staff

Some fantastic new staff have joined our team.

Olivia Dobbs (top left) is our new Administrative Assistant. Born and partially-raised in Fort McPherson, NWT, Olivia is Tetlit Gwich’in and has lived in Whitehorse for most of her life.

Montana Dawson (top right) is also a new Administrative Assistant. Born and raised in Whitehorse, Montana is a Crow Clan member of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation. She loves spending time outdoors with her boyfriend and new puppy.

Megan Guna Jensen (bottom left) joins the Communications department at the end of March as our Art and Media Specialist. She comes to the team with a wealth of talent and expertise in fine arts, media production and art education.

Ruth Ferguson (bottom right) joins the Mobile Therapeutic Unit as a Vision Specialist. Born and raised in the Yukon, she comes to us with decades of experience working in classrooms assisting students.

Go to our Meet the Team page to learn more about our staff.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 14-15 Moccasin Trailblazers meetings

April 28 Kaska Day at Christ the King Elementary School

June 11 Yukon First Nations Graduation