New First Nation Governance and Public Administration classes begin

WHITEHORSE – Students began class today at Yukon College in a new First Nations Governance and Public Administration pilot initiative. The first day of class was marked with a celebration and the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Yukon  College and the Government of Yukon, committing to work together to offer the program to all Yukon First Nations.     
   
The First Nation Governance and Public Administration pilot initiative consists of accessible, accredited, and culturally relevant course offerings that are focused on enhancing the professional development of executive and senior management staff to support First Nation government operations.
The curriculum was developed with a focus on Yukon’s final and self-government agreements.

“This is a made-in-Yukon program and is a significant step in advancing modern self-government,” Premier Dennis Fentie said. “It values and respects self-governing First Nations’ journeys towards self-determination. Through courses like this, First Nations can increase their capacity and more fully realize the spirit and intent of their agreements.”

“We are proud to be able to contribute toward the building capacity of our community,” Yukon College President Terry Weninger said. “The development of the First Nations Governance and Public Administration pilot initiative is a collaborative effort in identifying and providing the tools towards the implementation of self-governance. We will continue to work together to build a strong community of learners and citizens.”

This initiative builds on the Executive Development pilot program certificate, which is a partnership between Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Yukon College and Yukon govern ment. The original program was created in 2008 to bridge the gap between existing educational programs and the needs of self-governing First Nations in Yukon.

The new pilot initiative is currently open to all Yukon First Nations with a future goal of extending it to anyone interested in learning about First Nations Governance and Public Adminstration.

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Roxanne Vallevand    
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-633-7949 
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Sarah Crane
Communications, Executive Council Office
Government of Yukon
867-667-5103
sarah.crane@gov.yk.ca   

Ann Bowen
College Relations
Yukon College
867-668-8786
abowen@yukoncollege.yk.ca