President Brown: Recent news regarding Faro, Yukon

Dear students and colleagues,

I am very saddened to share that today the RCMP has confirmed the death of two victims of the shooting in Faro yesterday, as well as a third victim being treated for critical injuries. The RCMP has not yet released their names.

Our thoughts and prayers go to the faculty and staff at the Faro Campus and the Ross River Campus. We are in touch to ensure they are supported.

The news yesterday and today, from receiving emergency texts and being unsure what was happening to today’s confirmation of fatalities, is unsettling for us all. I have learned that the Yukon is a small and highly connected community and many of you have connections to most, if not all communities, including Faro.

It is all right to feel shaken and it is all right to feel upset. It is also all right to grieve the two people who died and the safety we felt yesterday.

Please be kind and patient with one another. Reach out to each other and speak to your instructor or supervisor if you require any additional support or time away from your class or work commitments.

YukonU Supports

• Students: Contact the Connect2YukonU team to connect with a counsellor, an Elder or services for Indigenous students. Call or text 867 456 6996 or email connect@yukonu.ca.

• Employees: Visit My Family Assistance Program on MyYukonU for more details or contact our two Employee Assistance Program providers directly:

• Nimco and Associates 867 668 3277 or 867 668 6059

• Family Services Employee Assistance Program (FSEAP) 1 800 667 0993 fseap.ba.ca (Password: 2bwell).

Beyond YukonU

• CMHA Yukon's Reach Out Support Line (2-10pm daily): 1 844 533 3030

• Yukon Rapid Access Counselling supports (M-F 8:30am to 5pm): 1 866 456 3838 or 867 456 3838

• Hospice Yukon, 409 Jarvis St (M-F drop-in hrs 11am-3pm): 867 667 7429

• Crisis Services Canada (national, 24/7): 1 833 456 4566, or text 45645

• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line: 1 855 242 3310

Also, the Council of Yukon First Nations is hosting a Sacred Fire at the Kwänlin Dün Cultural Centre fire pit from 1pm today until 5pm tomorrow for those experiencing loss. The fire keeper is Elder Randall Tetlichi who, along with helper William Carlick, will remain on site throughout.

Take care,

Lesley

Dr. Lesley A. Brown
President and Vice Chancellor
Yukon University