Official Establishment of First Nation School Board

On February 14, the Government of Yukon and the Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE) announced the official establishment of the First Nation School Board. The Minister of Education and Chair of the CCOE also signed a Letter of Agreement, establishing an Interim Governance Committee.

This committee will assume the work and responsibilities of launching the new board until trustee elections are completed this November. This is a necessary step to ensure a successful start to the 2022/23 school year for the 8 schools moving to the new school board.

The five members of the Interim Governance Committee are:

• Dr. Alyce Johnson, member of Kluane First Nation, and a life-long educator and former principal of Kluane Lake School and

• Erin Pauls, member of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN), and an award-winning educator, and currently Director of Education for CAFN.

• Jocelyn Joe-Strack, member of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and an Indigenous scientist, philosopher, entrepreneur, and she is currently the Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledge with Yukon University.

• Mark Wedge, member and former Chief of Carcross/Tagish First Nation, who holds many leadership positions focused on education, and economic and social development.

• Melanie Bennett, member of the Tr’ondёk Hwёch’in, and lifelong educator, and current Executive Director of the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate.

Click to read full joint Media Release.

For more info, go to www.yfned.ca/fnsb

Coming Together In-Person for the Education Conference!

The First Nation Education Conference is in only a few weeks!

We have an incredible line-up of keynote speakers and breakout sessions you won't want to miss!!!

• Kendal Netmaker, Indigenous entrepreneur and motivational speaker.

• Ryan McMahon, comedian, storyteller, changemaker.

March 23 & 24
Haa Shagóon Hídi (Carcross Learning Centre)

Restrictions are lifted so we can come together in person for this awesome, inspiring event! (Zoom participation is still available).

To register: https://bit.ly/32Vy9LC

For bios, breakout session descriptions and more, please go to: www.yfned.ca/conference

Bringing Culture to the Classroom

Our First Nation Education Advocates have been hard at work, as always. They continue to work one-on-one with a great number of Indigenous students and families, and see kids “light up” with enthusiasm for learning.

February was jam packed with on-the-land and cultural programming. Here are a few highlights:

• Drum making with Takhini Elementary School’s Grade 4-5 class with KDFN Hand Games enthusiast Stephen Shorty and Advocates Gus Morberg, Darcey Carlick, Lauren Wallingham and Heidi Harry

• Outdoor cultural programming at Elijah Smith Elementary to master on-the-land skills with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

• Planning summer Caribou Camp, Canoe Trip, and Fish Camp in Old Crow with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

• Mural Painting to Indigenize the Indigenous Academy at FH Collins Secondary with YFNED Art Specialist Guna Jensen and Advocates Lauren Wallingham and Gus Morberg.

• Advocates working with youth one-to-one at the Heart Bar Horse Ranch two days a week.

• Dual trips with MTU to Teslin and Faro to participate in and plan culture and art camps.

Mobile Therapeutic Unit Recap

The two teams of the Mobile Therapeutic Unit enjoyed many trips to the communities over the month of February. Here are some highlights:

• The SLPs and OTs worked in Watson Lake as they continue to provide training for our 14 Community Junior Advocates there.

• The Allied Health teams also travelled to Pelly Crossing and Haines Junction to provide direct services to students and their families

• MTU Counsellor Michael Reynolds travelled to Old Crow and connected with several families.

• Our Vision Therapist travelled to Pelly Crossing to complete more vision screenings.

• Wellness Team travelled to Teslin to support their Winter Olympics events

• Wellness Team were also in Pelly Crossing to do Screen Printing with students, Mayo for follow-up on Summer Programming and in Faro to work with students to design a mural.

• The Music Program of the Wellness Team went to Carcross and Haines Junction for some 1:1 music making with students and Jeremy Parkin.

• Our Allied Health and Wellness teams continue to support Horse Camp for some of our rural students.

In March, The MTU will be in Mayo from March 6-10 to participate in the FNNND Culture Camp and will be travelling to many other communities!

Submit Your Recipe to the YFNED Cookbook!

Early Years Group Gatherings

This February, the Early Years program began opening its doors to regularly scheduled Group Gatherings. At their first gathering, 6 parents and 6 kids came together for a smudging, group play, a conversation about self-care and to a share meal together. Knowledge Keeper Yvonne Jack from the Taku River Tlingit First Nation was there to provide leadership and support.

Early Years Staff Retreat

Upcoming Family Feasts!

Welcome New Staff!

Jolene Smarch of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, has joined the Early Years program as our new Administrative Assistant.

Neveah Webb (KDFN), Leandrea Reeves (YFN), Anika Enoch (WRFN) join YFNED as Junior Advocates in the First Nation Education Advocates program.

For full bios and headshots of all YFNED staff, please visit our Meet the Team page on our website.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mar 1 & 2 First Nation Education Advocates, CELC, ESW, ESC Conference

Mar 5 & 19 Drive-Thru Family Feast at KDCC 12 - 3 p.m.

Mar 15 CCOE and Minister of Education monthly meeting

Mar 23 & 24 3rd Annual First Nation Education Conference