YFNED Newsletter

October 2023

Happy Halloween!

We hope all you ghosts and goblins kept upright on some slippery sidewalks last night! We sure had some fun costumes around the office and lots of Halloween activities at Early Years all month long!

Our youth need to be heard

YFNED is looking to recruit youth from each First Nation to bring back our Moccasin Trailblazers!

This is a dynamic group of youth striving to bring their concerns about the education system to light. Our goal is to meet every four months to spend a day on the land and a day of discussions. How can we work with schools, parents, systems and the government to promote success, health and satisfaction in every classroom? Together we will figure out what works and what is needed for a safe and happy environment.

If you know a youth (15-30 years old) that would like to be heard and start making a difference, please have them contact Adrianna Wondga (adrianna.wondga@yfned.ca).

A Yukon Regional Education Agreement

Thank you to all the First Nations Chiefs and staff who joined us for an important discussion about the future of education in the Yukon.

Thank you to Denis Gros-Louis, Executive Director of the First Nations Education Council in Quebec for coming all the way to the Yukon to share his knowledge, expertise and passion about Regional Education Agreements.

In return we gave him a true October Yukon experience!

Nutrition news

Had another great feast on October 21 - with plenty of spooky crafts!

Our next feast is on November 25.

Winter hamper season is approaching quickly. We’re just finalizing the December pick-up times. We’ll put it out on social media when the dates are confirmed or you can check out yfned.ca/winterhampers for the latest information.

Also coming up is our nutrition survey!

Starting November 20th, we want to find out more about the role food plays in the lives of Indigenous people in the Yukon. And as a provider of nutrition programs in schools and communities, we want to ensure we are delivering programming that aligns with your values.

We are looking for Elders, parents of Indigenous kids aged 0-18, and people who work in education to join focus groups November 20-24 in Whitehorse and Carcross, and then communities to follow.

Email Nutrition@yfned.ca for more information or to sign up for a focus group.

Happenings at Early Years

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!

On the land

We took learning outside at Amä Kù this month with grade 8 social studies students from Porter Creek. In spite of some early winter temperatures , we learned about processing fish, cutting dry meat, hand games and had a trapping workshop.

Thank you to our Elders and Knowledge Holders for the lessons they provided!

Welcome new staff!

Nicolas Bochaton, Jesse Hume and Parth Patel started as our new Math Advocates on October 12.

Georgia Mcinnis has accepted two new roles she will work half time as a Math Advocate and half time as a First Nation Education Advocate, an exciting move from her Junior Advocate position.

Jaida Allen and Shayla Battaja-Green (CAFN) joined the team as First Nation Education Advocates on Oct 18.

Delilah and Samantha Stephen-Bailey (White River) both joined us as Cooks Helpers on October 23.

Kelly Taylor (LSCFN) joined the Early Years Team as their newest Visitor on October 30.

And more to come! We’re hiring for several positions right now. Check out yfned.ca/jobs for all the details and to apply.

Upcoming events

November 13: YFNED office closed in lieu of Remembrance Day

November 20: Nutrition survey opens

November 25: Christmas countdown family feast @ KDCC

December 15: YFNED open house

December 21 - January 7: YFNED offices closed

March 20-21: 5th Annual Education Conference

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