Chief Pauline Frost and Premier Ranj Pillai signed an accord on shared priorities on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

July 29, 2024
Old Crow, Yukon

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

On Saturday, July 27, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Pauline Frost and the Government of Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai met in Old Crow to sign a government-to-government accord on shared priorities. The accord enhances the working relationship between the governments and outlines the shared priorities of community wellness, community development and education and training.

Government-to-government accords provide a practical way for governments to formalize existing and identify new collaborative initiatives to improve programs and services for citizens. This approach of signing an accord intends to promote relationship building through collaboration and reconciliation between the governments at the operational level. While this will provide a practical and transparent way to work together by setting out a process and action plan for collaboration, the Government of Yukon will continue to meet with and hear directly from Yukon First Nations governments on their community priorities and needs on an ongoing basis.

Quotes:

One of our government’s overarching priorities is to strengthen relationships and work respectfully with First Nations and focus our efforts to see true reconciliation upheld in our work. This government-to-government accord builds on the foundation of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final and Self-Government Agreements and outlines our shared path forward on addressing community needs and priorities. We look forward to working with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to bring tangible benefits to Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens and all who live in Old Crow.

—Premier Ranj Pillai

This ten-year accord presents a challenge to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Government of Yukon. It calls on us to coordinate our efforts so that we can bring practical and long-term benefits to each and every member of our community.

This accord affirms that over the next decade, working toward community wellness—for individuals, families, and the whole community—will remain at the centre of the work of our government. Other priorities such as community development, education and training, are all connected to community wellness. The next step will be to work together on a concrete Action Plan that will organize our efforts and help us ensure success.

—Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Pauline Frost

Quick Facts 
  • The government-to-government accord is in effect for a 10-year term.
  • Under this accord, the Government of Yukon Premier and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief will meet at least annually to discuss the progress of the accord.
  • The accord tasks officials to cooperatively develop and implement an action plan to advance the shared priorities.
Media Contacts
Gyde Shepherd

Communications Manager
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
gyde.shepherd@vgfn.ca

(613) 804-4273

Jordan Owens

Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
(867) 332-0615
jordan.owens@yukon.ca

Brigitte Parker

Communications, Executive Council Office
Government of Yukon
(867) 332-0004
brigitte.parker@yukon.ca

Background:

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