The effects of COVID-19 have touched our community just as it has touched so many people around the world. The health and safety of everyone involved in First Nations Initiatives programs, communities, and especially our Elders, are of the utmost importance to us.
We want to be very careful that our programs do not put anyone at risk and ensure that they follow the current orders of the Territorial Health Officer. FNI supports each First Nation’s self-determined right to protect their community and we respect any additional guidelines set by Chief and Council or local governments to help keep their communities safe.
It’s critical that we take care and protect our Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and those at higher risk of illness. We need to work together to find ways to involve Elders that does not include in-person meetings.
Yak'ê ixhwsatìní ~ It is good to see you ~ Tlingit
We acknowledge, recognize and respect that we live, work and learn within the traditional territories
of 14 Yukon First Nations, the original keepers of this land.
Our Logo
Artist: Vernon Asp
Drum: Represent passing down culture and language Mountains & River: Represent part of the land, part of the water Wolf & Crow: Represent the two clans in the Yukon 14 Mini Circles: Represent the fourteen Yukon First Nations Feathers: Represent the eight Yukon First Nations languages |
Our Unit
The First Nations Initiatives (FNI) Branch formally known as First Nation Programs & Partnerships unit, was created by the Public Schools Branch of the Department of Education in August 2006. FNI is dedicated to four goals: building productive relationships with First Nations communities by developing and maintaining partnerships with all stakeholders involved in First Nations education; increasing the amount of First Nations perspectives in Yukon schools by developing First Nations curriculum and resource materials; improving the academic results of First Nations students in the K–12 system by incorporating First Nations education programs in Yukon schools; and providing support to and enhancing First Nations’ efforts to revitalize their languages by offering First Nations language programs in Yukon schools. This must be accomplished through meaningful and productive working relationships with Yukon First Nations governments and the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN).