News

 A research paper released this month confirmed that significant declines in boreal caribou herds over the past 30 years are due to habitat disturbance. “Boreal Caribou Can Coexist with Natural but Not Industrial Disturbances”, was published in the Journal of Wildlife Management by five co-authors including Yukon University and University of Alberta professor, Dr. Fiona Schmiegelow. The paper concludes that caribou can persist with wildfire but will continue to decline in disturbed areas as a result of cumulative industrial activities if preventative or mitigative actions are not taken. 

Yukon University welcomes Minto Explorations to the Northern Mine Remediation program’s Yukon Mining Research Consortium. Minto Explorations will be the seventh industrial partner to join the Consortium and the first member operating an active mine in the Territory.  

Joint news release with the Government of Yukon, Mitacs, Yukon University and the University of Alberta North

A unique opportunity to participate in COVID-19 research internships will benefit both Yukon organizations and post-secondary students.

Starting immediately, Yukon businesses, not-for profit organizations and municipalities can apply to be matched with post-secondary students who will research COVID-19’s impact on their operations and help develop plans to overcome those challenges. In return, students will gain high-quality work experience in the field of applied research.

WHITEHORSE, YT— Yukon University has provided more details to new, prospective and returning credit program students about the Fall semester and created a new student support initiative, Connect2YukonU. 

In a letter posted online and emailed today to students from Dr. Janet Welch, vice president Academic and Student Services, the University reiterated that teaching and learning for the Fall semester will take place primarily online.  

This was shared Friday in the internal, weekly YukonU newsletter. More reflection from Karen can be found in this Whitehorse Star article, also published Friday.

Well here it is – my last day at Yukon University. (Or, as a few people still say YukonCollege-slash-YukonUniversity which makes me smile.)

The natural inclination is to try to capture all of the great memories – and there are so many! But of course memories are so personal, often such tiny moments in time – and impossible to recreate. So I will share a few highlights instead – hoping they will resonate with some of you as they reflect moments over the past nine years. Moments of joy, of unexpected generosity, of unfettered fun, of immense pride, of humility and admittedly – sometimes frustration (but not too often). Here’s just a few….

WHITEHORSE, YT— Yukon University has launched a four-year research program to explore the revegetation of northern mine sites with native plants. In partnership with the University of Alberta, researchers will work with Yukoners to understand their vision of mine restoration and develop revegetation techniques to support this vision. 

Yukon University recognizes that prejudice, discrimination and violence are the reality for Black, Indigenous and racially minoritized people in Canada. We stand unified in the recognition that changes to systemic practices that discriminate, must begin to be made. We commit to working with faculty and staff to articulate a path forward for Yukon University.  We recognize that there is no defined road map to proceed; but together we must determine actions that accelerate the required change. We will determine a path that will combat systemic racism and work to unveil and undo unconscious bias.   

This work will begin once the new President, Mike DeGagné arrives in early July. Please join us on this journey of growth and change. 

 

Board of Governors Chair, David Morrison

Outgoing President, Dr. Karen Barnes

Incoming President, Dr. Mike DeGagné

WHITEHORSE, YT— Yukon University’s Northern Energy Innovation (NEI) research program placed third in the IEEE Electrical and Computer Engineering Capstone Competition for its work on the Arviat Power System Impact Study in Nunavut. NEI is one of seven winners to be acknowledged for their exceptional contribution in the jurisdiction of Northern Alberta and all three territories.