Yukon University has received $500,000 to support the successful inclusion of clean power initiatives into the electrical power systems of both Yukon and Northwest Territories (NWT). The Electric vehicles and smart heating research project will explore the potential effects that electric vehicles and smart heating units may have on the electrical distribution networks in these territories and offer novel solutions to address these challenges. 

Yukon University has received $230,800 to research how COVID-19 has impacted the residents of Old Crow and to prepare for future emergencies. “In Their Words: COVID-19 Experiences of the Vuntut Gwitchin people of Old Crow” is a one-year project led by the Vuntut Gwitchin Government in partnership with Yukon University and funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR). 

This research project addresses issues related to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities by revealing the health and wellness impacts as described by the people of Old Crow. The project will be co-created by the community and involve guided conversations and story gathering, in order to learn from this current pandemic and plan for future health crises and emergencies. 

Yukon University has been awarded $75,000 to research a method for treating contaminated mine water with native bacteria at the Minto Mine site. The Mitacs Acceleration program and Minto Metals Corp. (Minto) are supporting this Master’s degree project that was built in partnership between the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Northern Mine Remediation and the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS). 

WHITEHORSE, YT—Yukon University Board of Governors has released a new Strategic Plan, Becoming, which sets out the journey ahead for YukonU to realize the promise and potential of being Canada’s first university North of 60.

Within the plan are five commitments that will guide the actions and decisions of the university across the next five years.

• Build our identity and nurture our culture as a university

• Take our place in advancing reconciliation

• Continue to develop our northern expertise

• Develop bold thinkers and confident change leaders

• Be leaders for the common good

“We are grateful to Yukoners for their feedback on where they would like to see us in 2027. We are excited to get to work on fulfilling their vision for all that Yukon University can be,” said David Morrison, chair, Yukon University Board of Governors.

WHITEHORSE, YT—The Joyce Family Foundation has donated $1 million to support Yukon University student success with two renewable, annual bursaries alongside providing sustained funding for a peer mentorship program.

Students facing high financial obstacles who are beginning their post-secondary journey by entering the University Access Pathways (UAP) program can apply to this new bursary. The first deadline is May 15, 2022.

Each recipient will receive $3,000 towards academic and technology expenses. The bursary can be renewed twice for students in good standing who are continuing onto a YukonU diploma or degree program, providing up to $9,000 per recipient.

March 21st is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This year, the theme is Voices for Action Against Racism.

Racial discrimination continues to exist in Canada, including here at Yukon University. This means that the daily existence of students and colleagues who are not white is negatively affected because of the color of their skin or their ethnic origin. In some cases, discrimination emerges as barriers that are inherent to our structures and systems of operation within and beyond our institution, but at other times discrimination is experienced as disgraces of harassment and unjust behaviors, including silence, imposed by others. This is unacceptable.

WHITEHORSE, YT—Fourth year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students are channeling their work, life and university experience into a free, online workshop series—Find your Inner Guru.

Across two weeks starting Tuesday, March 22, Kendall Pigeau, James Punongbayan, Christy Huey and Tasha-Lee Schwantz will inspire compassionate leadership skills in business, people, budding entrepreneurs, fellow students and the public.

The interactive workshops will cover discovering your own superhero, building influence and growing positive impact, giving and receiving constructive feedback and using inclusive language in the workplace.

The Russian Federation’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine is deeply troubling. This assault on Ukraine and its people is an assault on the very democratic values that universities uphold by offering a safe space for free inquiry. 

Yukon University joins the many voices condemning the actions of President Putin and calling for an immediate end to this armed aggression. 

Yukon University stands with Ukraine, and we are heartened by the huge outpouring of solidarity with the Ukraine people, here in Yukon and around the world—including those in Russia risking everything to oppose their government.  

Yukon University supports the work by the Governments of Yukon and Canada to ensure refugees fleeing this war will be accepted into Canada.  

We recognize that many in the YukonU community may be affected directly and indirectly by the alarming news and images coming from Eastern Europe.  

WHITEHORSE, YT—Yukon University is introducing two changes to the registration process for Youth Moving Mountains Summer Camps to ensure greater inclusion of Indigenous youth in Whitehorse.

The camps are popular and usually fill up rapidly once online registration opens, sometimes within minutes. Places are secured by immediate payment via credit card.

Going forward, registration will be a staggered process. Starting March 16, Indigenous families (including parents or caregivers) will be able to access advanced registration online or via phone. Camp staff will be available between 9am and 4pm each weekday to support those wishing to register youth in the camps. Then, on March 23, general online registration will proceed for the remaining available spots in each camp.

For all youth, payment will no longer be required at registration. Parents and caregivers will have until May 27 to seek and receive financial support for their child to attend camps.