Yukon regional chief says we all need to take stock of environment, economy, society

“I am pleased to see Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and climate change forming part of Prime Minister (Justin) Trudeau’s core priorities. Reconciliation has different meanings for different people, and, for Indigenous peoples, it means addressing historical wrong-doings, repairing nation to nation relationships while always improving present-day living conditions. I take yesterday’s Speech from the Throne to be an open invitation for us in Yukon to provide leadership in shaping those strategies.

I’m encouraged over the past week’s meeting schedule and yesterday’s Speech from the Throne, which recognized the need for immediate Climate Action. I discussed these and other matters briefly with Minister (Jonathan) Wilkinson, who has agreed to meet with my office and Yukon First Nations in the New Year with a view to strategizing local and regional priorities and identifying funding sources.

Nationally, it is imperative that we all take stock of what is happening to our environment, our economy and to our society as a result of Climate Change. We must work together to address those challenges and create new opportunities for mitigation and adaptation. This is also about moving to a green economy and creating jobs and wealth for all sectors across Canada. I look forward to working with this new Cabinet and supporting shared objectives and joint actions.”

The AFN Yukon Region remains committed to promoting constructive discussions leading to better government-to-government relationships between the Government of Canada and Yukon First Nations. This past week during the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly, we created space for meaningful discussions between key Ministers and Yukon First Nation Chiefs in an ongoing effort to advance Yukon First Nations rights and interests. This includes implementing the directives of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls report.