In 1973, the Council for Yukon Indians presented the Federal government of Canada a list of grievances and a pathway to reconciliation in the landmark document Together Today for our Children Tomorrow. A central concern of this profound document is the educational injustice of Yukon’s education system. It stresses that Yukon schools must teach the history of Yukon First Nations, employ culturally responsive teaching practices, and, ultimately, must be relevant to First Nation students. Born of this context, the Yukon Native Teacher Education Program (YNTEP) began in 1989 with a vision for change in Yukon schools as collectively voiced by First Nation Chiefs and Elders, community members, educators, and politicians across the Yukon.
YNTEP students are part of an educational tradition committed to building educational practices and institutions that support reconciliation and decolonization. We expect graduates of YNTEP to lead for change and provide a curriculum of consequence as a foundation for a brighter future for all Yukon students.
The YNTEP after-degree is a two-year, 60-credit program leading to a Bachelor of Education degree credentialed by the University of Regina. Graduates qualify for both Saskatchewan and Yukon teacher certification and are eligible for teacher certification throughout Canada.
The after-degree is a full-time program, including fall and winter coursework, a 4-week spring practicum in a rural community, a one-week summer cultural camp, and a 16-week Internship.
Seats will first be offered to qualified applicants of First Nation heritage.
To be eligible for admission, students must have completed an approved first degree with a minimum overall average of 65% and including a minimum of 39 credit hours in areas supporting K-12 provincial/territorial curricula. It is recommended that students have three provincial curriculum areas (nine credit hours at the 300- or 400-level). Students who did not complete a 100-level English course in their first degree must complete ENGL 100 or equivalent in order to graduate from the BEAD program.
Those who have not been awarded a degree upon submission of their application will be required to provide confirmation of their degree status from their respective institution prior to beginning the YNTEP after-degree.
Applicant submissions will be assessed by the University of Regina, which will determine if these criteria have been met.
Assets:
- Good academic average
- Experience working with young people, including but not limited to school settings.
- Evidence of commitment to YNTEP program goals and priorities.
All applicants: proof of English language proficiency
Even if the applicant has lived in Canada for many years, we always look at their education to determine if they meet the English Language Proficiency requirement for admission. Anyone who does not have recent grade 11 or 12 in a secondary school with English-language curriculum or at least 24 recent credit hours in an English language post-secondary school may have to compete an English proficiency assessment. Always check with the YNTEP coordinator well ahead of the start of the semester, in case specific testing will be required.
The application deadline for fall 2025 is April 18th, 2025. There is one intake per year and seats in the program are limited. To be considered for acceptance applicants must submit ALL documents prior to this date. Applicants are considered accepted into YNTEP only after both Yukon University and the University of Regina have confirmed acceptance. Once approved by Yukon University, YNTEP will forward documentation required for University of Regina admission.
If you have questions about applying to the program, please contact YukonU Admissions at: admissions@yukonu.ca. Ph: (867) 668-8710 ext. 1
Follow the steps below to apply:
Step 1: Apply online to Yukon University
- Apply to Yukon University
- Select "Partnership Programs" as your application-type
- Choose "Bachelor of Education After Degree - 2 years" as your program
- Pay your application fee
Step 2: Submit required documentation to Yukon University
YNTEP Application Checklist can help support you in writing and compiling this documentation.
- Official copies of post-secondary or high school transcripts (must be received in a sealed envelope, directly from the institution). See step 3, copies must also be sent to the University of Regina
- Personal Statement of 500 words or less (see Application Checklist)
- Letters of consent and permission (see Application Checklist)
- A current resume highlighting employment, community service, and volunteer work, as they related to children and youth.
- Three letters of reference that speak to your abilities to work in schools, with children:
- 1 personal from a close acquaintance,
- 1 professional,
- 1 letter from a First Nation educator, Elder or official supporting your aspirations to teach in a cross-cultural First Nations' setting (see YNTEP Application Checklist for further information).
Submit documents by mail or scan and email to admissions@yukonu.ca
Office of the Registrar, Yukon University
500 University Drive, PO Box 2799
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 5K4
Step 3: Submit transcripts to the University of Regina
- One copy of all official post-secondary transcripts must also be sent to the University of Regina:
University of Regina, Enrollment Services Admissions
3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina, SK S4S 0A2
Step 4: Submit required documentation to the Yukon Government, Department of Education
- To be eligible for the program, you must submit a current acceptable criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check
- Completed Consent to Release form for Yukon Education. This form provides verification of the criminal record check and vulnerable sector check to complete field placements, pre-internship and internship in Yukon Schools.
Submit documents to:
Human Resources, Yukon Department of Education
Box 2703 Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
Email: teacher.recruitment@yukon.ca
Step 5: Application review and decision
Applications will be reviewed by a committee. Applicants who do not meet the criteria will be informed by Admissions. Applicants who do meet the criteria may be interviewed as a next step in the process. Successful applicants will be informed by Admissions about the outcome of their application. A mandatory orientation session for those accepted will happen in early June.
The University of Regina awards a Bachelor of Education for the successful completion of all required courses, with a program grade point average of minimum 65%.
Students who did not complete a 100-level English in their first degree must also complete ENGL 100 or equivalent in order to graduate from the BEAD program.
Yukon University recognizes that a greater understanding and awareness of Yukon First Nations history, culture and journey towards self-determination will help to build positive relationships among all Yukon citizens. As a result, you will be required to achieve core competency in knowledge of Yukon First Nations.
For details, visit Yukon First Nations Core Competency
Fees
Tuition for credit programs is calculated per course credit. See money matters for more information.
Some programs and courses have additional fees - see Ancillary Fees.
Student financial awards
Education is an investment in your future, your family and your community. Yukon University is pleased to support that investment by offering some of the most competitive tuition rates in the country, as well as several student financial awards to help offset your educational and living costs.
Financial assistance
There are government programs, scholarships, bursaries, awards and First Nation funding available to financially support you throughout your academic career.
See money matters for more information, or talk to our financial advising staff in the Student Services Centre. Email or call 867 456 8574 to make an appointment.