Yukon First Nations Cancer Strategy launched to improve cancer care in the territory

Press Release

March 20, 2026

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Council of Yukon First Nations, the Yukon Hospital Corporation and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.

The Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations, the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Yukon Hospital Corporation launched the Yukon First Nations Cancer Strategy on March 20, 2026, marking an important step toward improving cancer care experiences and outcomes for Yukon First Nations.

Developed through the Yukon First Nations Cancer Care Project (YFNCCP), the strategy, Cancer Care Pathways: Improving First Nations Cancer Experiences and Outcomes in the Yukon, is the first cancer strategy developed in the Yukon. It reflects several years of collaboration between Yukon First Nations, the Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon Hospital Corporation, Government of Yukon and cancer survivors. The work has been supported by funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer since 2018.

The strategy outlines a shared vision for improving cancer care in the territory and ensuring that Yukon First Nations perspectives and priorities are reflected in health system planning and delivery. It focuses on cancer care services offered in the Yukon, with an emphasis on earlier intervention, through awareness, prevention and screening and supports for patients navigating the cancer care system.

The strategy is guided by three core goals:

• supporting Yukon First Nations leadership and self-determination in cancer care;
• improving equitable access to screening and cancer services; and
• strengthening cultural safety throughout the health system.

To achieve these goals, the strategy identifies five priority areas for action:

• strengthening partnerships between Yukon First Nations and health system partners;
• improving Yukon First Nations data access, shared knowledge and understanding of Yukon First Nations cancer experiences;
• increasing awareness and prevention efforts;
• improving access to culturally safe screening and diagnosis; and
• supporting patients and families to better navigate the cancer care system.

The launch marks the beginning of the next phase of work focused on awareness, partnership and implementation. Yukon First Nations will guide how priorities are advanced across the territory, recognizing that needs and strengths vary between communities and health system partners. Health system partners, including the Government of Yukon, Yukon Hospital Corporation, Council of Yukon First Nations will continue working collaboratively with Yukon First Nations to support implementation and align future planning with the strategy’s direction.

While the strategy specifically addresses the needs of Yukon First Nations, many of the proposed actions will benefit all cancer patients receiving care in the Yukon.

By working together with Yukon First Nations, Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon Hospital Corporation on the First Nations Cancer Care Strategy, we are strengthening partnerships and supporting a health system that is more culturally safe, responsive and meets the needs of all Yukoners.

Minister of Health and Social Services Brad Cathers

The launch of the Yukon First Nations Cancer Strategy is an important step forward for Yukon First Nations and for cancer care in the territory. This work reflects years of contributions from Yukon First Nations, whose knowledge, experiences and priorities shaped this strategy. Cancer has touched many of our families, including my own, which is why I’m proud to support this work to protect our communities through prevention, early detection, and culturally safe care.

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Math’ieya Alatini

We are proud to be a signatory to the Yukon First Nations Cancer Strategy. This strategy gives us a clear road to walk along together with our partners to provide the best care possible for Yukon First Nations people on their cancer journey. It also represents our commitment to the way health care is being transformed in the territory, to better serve all Yukoners. Shä̀w níthän, másin cho, gunałchÎsh, and thank you to all who have collaborated and lent their voice to this strategy.

Board Chair of Yukon Hospitals Pamela Hine

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) commends partners in the Yukon for their commitment to strengthening cancer care for Yukon First Nations through the implementation of the Yukon First Nations Cancer Strategy. The strategy sets clear direction and is an important step forward in our shared commitment to advance the Peoples-specific priorities of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. Implementation of the strategy will lead to improved cancer experiences and outcomes for First Nations patients and families for years to come. CPAC remains deeply committed to walking alongside partners in Yukon to expand access to culturally appropriate care, prevent cancer, increase participation in cancer screening and enhance supports for patients navigating the cancer system.

CEO of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer Dr. Craig Earle

The launch of the Yukon First Nations Cancer Strategy is a tremendous milestone for all of our project partners. Over the past eight years, Yukon First Nations have been consistently advocating for change and improvements in the cancer care pathway to support their citizens. This Strategy is the first step towards this goal and is a testament to the years of hard work and dedication of our committee members.

Project Manager of Yukon First Nations Cancer Care Project Kira Makuk

Quick facts

• The Yukon First Nations Cancer Care Project was established in 2018 to address gaps in cancer care for Yukon First Nations.
• The YFNCCP is a collaboration between Yukon First Nations governments, Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon Hospital Corporation, the Government of Yukon, Elders, and Yukon First Nations cancer survivors.
• The Strategy identifies actions focused on early intervention, from awareness and prevention, to screening and diagnosis.
• Funding and partnership support for this work has been provided by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.
• A key goal of the strategy is cultural safety, where safety is defined by those receiving care rather than those providing it.
• The strategy visual, titled “Our Way”, inspired by traditional beadwork and the Yukon landscape, reflects the balance of traditional and Western paths to healing. “Our Way” will be framed and hung at Karen’s Room (chemotherapy suite) at Whitehorse General Hospital.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
tim.kucharuk@yukon.ca

Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-8342
ayodeji.awobamise@yukon.ca

Stephanie Joe
Communications advisor, Council of Yukon First Nations
Stephanie.Joe@cyfn.net

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