COUNCIL FOR YUKON INDIANS & YTG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The Council for Yukon Indians (CYI), now the Council for Yukon First Nations (CYFN), served as the negotiating body for Yukon First Nations during the land claim process. As their work progressed, CYFN broadened its focus to include the preservation of First Nation heritage. This shift reflected growing attention to cultural knowledge and the need to support language and history within Yukon communities.

In June 1986, the first group of students completed Yukon University’s native language instructor course. Thirteen students graduated from the program, marking an early milestone in formal training for the Yukon First Nations language education. The course provided structured preparation for people who would go on to teach in their communities and support language use in schools and cultural programs.

The Yukon Government Department of Education and CYFN staff continued to work on changes to the curriculum used in Yukon schools. Their efforts aimed to ensure that students learned about Yukon’s First Nations history and culture in a clear and accurate way. This included reviewing existing materials and developing new approaches that reflected the experiences and knowledge of Yukon First Nations.