“We have a vision that all Yukoners teach each other about a new partnership, to prepare all of us for the future.”

- 1987 Kwiya Report

The Knowledge Has Always Been Here

Yukon First Nations communities know what is best for them and their children. Report after report has repeated the same sentiments: we need to be at the decision-making tables, we need to walk in two worlds, our families, culture and language must be integral to education on our lands.

A statement of grievances and an approach to settlement by the Yukon Indian People.
- January 1973
To grow wise in a life-long journey beginning at birth. Parents are the first teachers, the home is the first classroom, and the community provides the first learning environment.
- August 1987
Education is vital to the progress of both individuals and Yukon as a whole. It lays the foundations for success in school, at work, and throughout life and directly benefits the economy, society, and individual quality of life.
- January 2009
"It was education that got us into this mess, and education is what will get us out of it."
-Justice Murray Sinclair, 2015
A blueprint to strengthen our roots and to close the education gap.
“This Joint Action Plan represents, perhaps our last, opportunity of survival for our languages and culture in its purest form. If we can get back to our traditional ways… the indigenous people can teach the world to be respectful about the ways of the earth. The link between our past and our future is getting thinner and thinner. Our links are disappearing. It will be our fault if we miss out on realizing that … If we don’t do the work, it won’t get done to the satisfaction of our people.” - Ed Schultz, Executive Director, Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation
- March 2014
Department of Education continues to struggle to close gaps in educational outcomes for Yukon students.
- June 2019
"When children are made responsible for systemic failures, as was identified by the Office of the Auditor General in 2009 and again in 2019 - poor attendance records should be seen as a marker of Departmental negligence, not the other way around."
- Parent, 2021
We have to build a future where education is a place of healing, where students feel safe enough to speak up and to ask for help. A place where they know they matter. It’s not going to be easy. But it’s possible. And it’s necessary.
-Roger Ellis, Tr’ondek Hwech’in Elder, 2025
“This is a holistic perspective on what learners need to know to be rooted in culture and belonging, have the academic skills to succeed in their chosen careers in the future, and thrive as community members and citizens in the Yukon and beyond.”
-Jeanie McLean, Minister of Education 2025
For a summary, check out the Yukon’s Child and Youth Advocate’s Guide to Children’s Rights.
“… respect the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents or, where applicable, the members of the extended family or community as provided for by local custom, … to provide, in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child, appropriate direction and guidance in the exercise by the child of the rights recognized in the present Convention.”
- Article 5, 1989