Government of Yukon investing in youth mental health and wellness

Press Release

November 20, 2024

The Government of Yukon is committed to investing in a healthy Yukon and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all Yukoners, especially young people. As part of this commitment, the Government of Yukon provides funding for a variety of projects and organizations that promote youth mental health and wellness across the territory.

In 2023, in alignment with the Confidence and Supply Agreement, the Government of Yukon committed to an annual investment of $1 million for three years to support initiatives and organizations working to improve youth mental health outcomes across the territory.

Association franco-yukonnaise, BGC Yukon, BYTE – Empowering Youth Society, the Heart of Riverdale Community Centre and the Youth of Today Society were approved to receive the three-year project funding in 2023.

This funding has allowed these organizations to expand their programming and offer more services and opportunities to Yukon youth, including:

  • wellness workshops;
  • self-care workshops;
  • gardening workshops;
  • cooking and nutrition classes;
  • games and recreation nights;
  • arts and crafts workshops;
  • music and dance workshops and events;
  • healthy relationships workshops;
  • healthy minds workshops;
  • film workshops;
  • cultural exchanges;
  • field trips within the Yukon and British Columbia; and
  • supports to the Territorial Youth Strategy.

The Government of Yukon also provides funding to local projects and organizations supporting young people through the Youth Investment Fund, the Youth Roots Grant and the Kids Recreation Fund and celebrates youth achievements every year through the Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards.

Our government recognizes the critical importance of investing in our youth and the community groups that support their mental health and wellbeing across the Yukon. By investing in our youth, we are empowering key community organizations to uplift our youngest Yukoners, helping them develop, grow and achieve their dreams. The positive impact of these programs is evident in our communities, where youth thrive when they have the support they need. I extend my heartfelt thanks to these organizations for their tireless dedication and invaluable contributions.

Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai

The Yukon NDP is proud that this CASA initiative has helped to make these amazing programs possible. We’re incredibly grateful to all the organizations that are making this important work happen. Thank you for your invaluable work empowering, inspiring and supporting young Yukoners.

Leader of the Yukon NDP and MLA for Takhini-Kopper King Kate White

We are incredibly grateful for the support from CASA and the Youth Directorate, which has allowed us to provide transformative leadership opportunities that positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of our youth. From participating in By the Rock Breaking battles, the Cypherfest Hip Hop Festival in Carcross and the cultural exchange with youth from across Canada to engaging with Indigenous artists and taking on key roles in the Haunted House and costume design for Polar Night and Art from the Heart, these activities have empowered our youth to grow in confidence, skills and emotional resilience. These experiences foster creativity, teamwork and a strong sense of belonging, which are critical to improving mental health. With your continued support, we can ensure that our youth thrive mentally, emotionally and as positive contributors to their communities.

Executive Director of The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre Andrea Simpson-Fowler

Through the CASA agreement, we have hired a Collective Outreach Coordinator to implement the Territorial Youth Strategy, aimed at fostering a greater sense of belonging among Yukon youth. With this initiative we had a greater capacity to engage youth across Yukon communities with a focus on mental wellness and relationship building. Additionally, we have established a BYTE Advisory Board composed of 10 young leaders to strengthen skills, advise on youth programming and invest in the future of youth leadership.

Executive Director of BYTE – Empowering Youth Casey Albert

Media contact
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca

Dana Clark
Executive Council Office, Communications
867-336-0151
dana.clark@yukon.ca
Laurie Tritschler
Yukon NDP
867-687-0284
laurie.tritschler@yla.gov.yk.ca

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