WHITEHORSE, YT—Chùsi Robin Bradasch joins Yukon University as associate vice president Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships (AVP-IE&P).

Bradasch belongs to the crow moiety and is a citizen of Kluane First Nation. She is the daughter of Sandra Johnson and the late chief Joe Johnson.

Bradasch has 15 years' federal government experience with Crown and Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) based in Yukon, five as director of Governance. Prior to this, she was chief negotiator and director of Land Claims for Kluane First Nation (KFN).

“I am pleased to be joining Yukon University at such an exciting time in its evolution. I look forward to using my knowledge and expertise to assist the University in its long-term strategy development and in building and maintaining strong partnerships with Yukon First Nations and the broader Yukon community,” said Bradasch, who began her new role on January 27.

WHITEHORSE, YT—Yukon University has received $50,000 from the Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund towards the development of an integrated Mental Health and Wellness Strategy for students and employees.

The funding was announced last week as part of $1 million in grants announced by Bell Let’s Talk for organizations across Canada.

Canadians benefit from a health care system that is informed by research evidence—and by the voices of patients and caregivers. That is why it is essential that the government invest in patient-oriented research, which engages patients as partners throughout the research process.

Today, the Honourable Pauline Frost, Yukon’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Health, announced a combined investment of $10.4 million in funding and in-kind contributions to establish a Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) Support for People and Patient-Oriented Research and Trials (SUPPORT) Unit in the Yukon.

WHITEHORSE, YT—Yukon University founding president and vice chancellor, Dr. Karen Barnes, has been honoured with the title president emerita by the YukonU Board of Governors.

The designation recognizes the outstanding contributions of retired presidents to the University and to the community, including demonstrated excellence, distinguished service, and effective leadership beyond normal expectations.

“Honouring Dr. Barnes with this significant title is a wonderful and fitting way for Yukon University to remain connected with our founding president as she continues to impact learning and research across the North,” said David Morrison, chair of the Yukon University Board of Governors.

WHITEHORSE—Yukon University’s Board of Governors is growing. The Yukon University Act, which came into effect in February 2020, called for an increase from 12 to 17 members to better represent key stakeholder and rights holder groups. Both the Board of Governors and Yukon Government can appoint members to the Board.

In November, the Government of Yukon appointed Aan Goosh oo Mark Wedge, Gàndałêch Pearl Callaghan, and Christine Mahar to the Yukon University Board of Governors.

Yukon University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) is pleased to announce that a local I&E innovator has moved their business idea through to commercialization. The SUPStick land paddle, invented by Brennan Innovations Inc., is now available for purchase on its newly launched website.

Over the last five years, I&E has helped Joel Brennan, president of Brennan Innovations Inc. and developer of the SUPStick, in making his idea a reality. The SUPStick is an ergonomic dry land Stand Up Paddle (SUP) designed to simulate the feeling of being on water, while using a skateboard on land. I&E played a central role in helping Brennan actualize his idea by supporting him through prototype design, manufacturing and testing, intellectual property protection, and product development.

WHITEHORSE, YT—Audrey McLaughlin and Daka Dave Joe received the first two honorary Yukon University degrees today from Chancellor Allen at his installation ceremony.

At a socially distanced event, held in the Innovation Commons at Ayamdigut Campus, a small group of 20 people gathered in-person, to celebrate this occasion while many more joined via Zoom.

Yukon University Board of Governors chair presided as the University bid farewell to Chancellor Piers McDonald and the chain of office was passed onto Jamena James Allen.

Then, as his first official duty, Chancellor Allen conferred the honorary Yukon University Bachelor of Arts to McLaughlin and Joe.

Yukon University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) and Government of Yukon have launched this year’s Yukon Innovation Prize (YIP).  The theme for the 2021 prize is “innovation for recovery” in response to the global pandemic and its impact on the territory. 

The Yukon Innovation Prize has recognized and supported innovative solutions to address local challenges since 2015. YIP prize winners have the opportunity to further develop their ideas for the benefit of the territory, Yukoners and the rest of Canada.  

WHITEHORSE, YT—Yukon University Foundation has received $100,000 from the RBC Youth Mental Health Well-being Project to enhance student wellness initiatives.

YukonU will draw upon the newly released National Standard of Canada for Mental Health & Well-being for Post-Secondary Students to provide the framework for an integrated comprehensive Mental Health and Wellness strategy. This month, the university will form a mental health and wellness committee of students, staff, faculty and Elders to guide the design and delivery of new and expanded initiatives.

A vital first step to addressing mental health on campus is creating a climate in which people feel comfortable discussing it. 

Yukon University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) is launching a Yukon business incubator, thanks to a $400K contribution from TD Bank Group. Over the next four years, this early-stage business incubation program, IncubateNorth, will support entrepreneurs throughout the territory to grow their businesses locally, nationally, and internationally.