February 2021

YFNED has been simply humming over the last month. We’ve welcomed some great new staff, created innovative new programs, and made some terrific developments within existing programs. These are exciting times in First Nations education in the Yukon.

YFNED Education Advocates “Transforming” Classrooms

It’s been over three busy months since our First Nation Education Advocates have been working inside Whitehorse classrooms - either one-on-one with students, or conducting a variety of culture camps and workshops. The feedback from teaching staff at both elementary and secondary schools so far has been a resounding “Yes!” as they watch so many of their students shine in the light of Indigenous teachings. Highlights include:

· Trapping workshops

· Hand Games and drumming

· Mini fish camps

· Traditional beading lessons

Mobile Therapeutic Unit Makes First Trip to Pelly Crossing

YFNED Occupational Therapists Patrice Cameron and George Korkuryo travelled to Pelly Crossing in late February for their first visit to one of the communities. Kids in Pelly showed them around their classrooms — and even took them on their school bus ride at the end of the day! Pictured above are two students showing the OTs their skills coding Selkirk First Nation language and culture into a video game.

New Junior Advocates Team

YFNED is thrilled to introduce our new team of Junior Advocates: 12 super keen high school students that are working with us part-time — with both elementary and secondary students — as mentors and tutors to help other students and to support our First Nation Education Advocates and Knowledge Keepers in their delivery of cultural programming in classrooms around Whitehorse. In the few weeks they’ve been active, they’ve shone as role models to many young First Nation students.

School Snack Service Available Across Whitehorse

Beginning this February, classroom teachers are now able to order, on a weekly basis, a range of healthy snack options for their Indigenous students, at no cost. Funded through Jordan’s Principle, our Nutrition Program’s School Snack Service ensures nutritious food is available to First Nations learners — which is 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

Welcome New Staff

Some amazing new staff have joined our team.

George Kokuryo is an Occupational Therapist on our Mobile Therapeutic Unit with over two decades of experience in the field. He was also the recipient the 2019 CAOT-North Outstanding Occupational Therapist of the Year Award.

Megan Jensen (Tlingit name, Guna), 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.

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

Spring Break Horse Camp

YFNED is holding a Spring Break horse camp for First Nations kids at the Heart Bar Ranch in the Ibex Valley. This day camp will be offered the first week of Spring Break for teens and the second week for elementary-aged students. Paired up with a YFNED staff member, the youth will learn traditional teachings from First Nations Elders, learn fundamentals of horsemanship and horse care, and eat nutritious local and traditional foods including wild game.

For more info email mtu@yfned or call (867) 667-6962

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 15-16-18-19 Spring Break Horse Camp for Teens

March 22 - 26 Spring Break Horse Camp for Children