News

WHITEHORSE – Yukon University and the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society are announcing that, by mutual agreement, the University will withdraw from its role in the upcoming Arctic Winter Games. This decision includes the cancellation of the University’s food services contract, the in-kind venue and space use agreements for the polyclinic, Games Operations centre, mission offices, transportation hub, and the decision that badminton will no longer be hosted at the University.

The University has been in ongoing internal conversations in an attempt to gain some clarity and certainty that any labour disruption would allow uninterrupted Games' time access to the whole campus.

Whitehorse, Yukon — Yukon University is pleased to reflect on the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness (CSLF) Program changes, and the opportunities it presents students. As of December 31, 2025, the Government of Canada expanded its Student Loan Forgiveness program to include additional health and social service professionals working in rural communities.

Under the program, the entire Yukon is considered a rural area, allowing eligible Yukon University graduates to apply for loan forgiveness while working anywhere in the territory.

Yukon University’s Funding Advisor, Matthew Pecore, notes the significance of the change for students:

“We know that taking on student loans can feel daunting. After all, no one wants to graduate with debt hanging over their head. The changes to the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program opens doors for current and prospective students to pursue education that may have otherwise felt out of reach.”

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in values-centered program begins January 2026

Dawson City, Yukon - [January 2026] - Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, in partnership with Yukon University, is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new 12-month, land- and community-based bridging program designed to support learners in pursuing personal, educational, professional, cultural, and artistic goals in a culturally grounded and supporive environment.

Rooted in Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in values and guided by Elders, mentors, and knowledge holders, the program offers a flexible, student-led learning journey that meets learners where they are at. Participants will choose their own trail. They will be supported by mentorship with opportunities for learning on the land, in the community and classroom.

Tahltan artist Vernon Asp was raised in Northern Tutchone Territory, which he says gave him a unique perspective being immersed in many First Nations ways of knowing and doing. A perspective that continues to guide his work, his teachings, and his art.

Vernon, who is also an assistant professor in the School of Academic and Skill Development, stands next to his restored red cedar carving that he named, Never Give Up. He looks it over with care and critiques some of the elements of his work, tool to wood. Vernon used gouge and carving knives to bring the piece to life. 

The three-by-eight-foot flat panel carving now hangs prominently in the President’s Boardroom at Yukon University, a powerful reminder of resilience, renewal, and the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.

Whitehorse, Yukon — The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is proud to announce a new partnership with Yukon University, officially celebrated today during the much-anticipated Student vs. Teachers Futsal Game on the Whitehorse Ayamdigut campus.

This partnership brings together two organizations dedicated to supporting northern youth, honouring cultural diversity, and strengthening community connections as Whitehorse prepares to welcome athletes, coaches, cultural participants, and supporters from across the circumpolar North in 2026.

“Yukon University is an essential partner in bringing the Arctic Winter Games to life. Their commitment to northern youth and community makes this collaboration a natural fit, and we’re thrilled to welcome athletes and cultural participants onto this vibrant campus in March 2026.”

— Megan Cromarty, General Manager, Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games

Whitehorse, Yukon - The Yukon Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (YSPOR) held its 4th annual health summit on November 4, 2025, at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (KDCC) in Whitehorse, with digitally-connected hubs in Dawson City and Old Crow. The event brought together community members, researchers, health professionals, and Elders from across the territory to explore the theme collaborating in a good way.

Launched more than four years ago and based at Yukon University, YSPOR was created to help close the gaps between research and healthcare in the Yukon by fostering relationships that put people, and lived experience, at the centre of health innovation.

Effective immediately and with agreement from the Board, President Lesley Brown has commenced administrative leave. She will not be returning to the role of President. The Board thanks Dr. Brown for her service and contributions to the University during a period of significant change and achievement.

To ensure continuity and stability, Dr. Shelagh Rowles, Provost and Vice-President Academic has been appointed Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. Shelagh is a long-serving member of the University’s executive team and brings deep knowledge of our community, our vision, and our ongoing priorities.

The Board’s focus remains firmly on supporting our students, faculty, and staff, and on continuing the important work that defines our university, Reconciliation, Northern research and serving our communities with excellence.

Out of respect for all parties and to maintain confidentiality, we will not be commenting further on this personnel matter.

Yukon University has received a $5 million gift from the Mastercard Foundation as part of a nationwide initiative to support Indigenous youth. The announcement came as the Foundation revealed a total of $235 million in funding to 30 post-secondary institutions and Indigenous-led organizations across Canada.

The announcement comes as the country marks a decade of work under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The TRC identified education as a critical path toward reconciliation, and the Mastercard Foundation’s investment reflects this vision by recognizing the achievements and lasting impact these institutions have had in advancing educational opportunities for Indigenous youth.

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Yukon University.

Over the 2025–26 academic year, Yukon University, in partnership with the Government of Yukon, is offering tailored professional training for educational assistants employed with Yukon schools. The new four-part “micro-credential” started with an orientation and engagement session on August 20, 2025, at the Ayamdigut campus, with participation from 218 educational assistants from schools around the territory.

Yukon University’s Associate Professor of Anthropology in the School of Liberal Arts, Victoria Castillo, recently published an article in the peer reviewed journal Ethnohistory shedding new light on mid-19th century First Nations hunting practices in subarctic Canada.

Fort Selkirk, Yukon, served as a significant site of interaction between the Northern Tutchone people and Hudson’s Bay Company fur traders during the mid-nineteenth century. In 2006, archaeological excavations at the site led to the recovery of a distinctive moose (Alces alces) scapula. This artifact offers material evidence of early contact period Northern Tutchone hunting techniques and scapulimancy. Etched into the surface of the bone is a detailed zoomorphic image of a large male ungulate, likely a moose, accompanied by an arrow in flight near its head.

A powerful First Nation-led initiative is taking shape across the Yukon to help communities improve safety, healing, and wellness. House of Wolf & Associates, in partnership with Yukon University, is proud to announce the launch of the Community Safety Guardian (CSG) Training Program, beginning September 22, 2025.

This program supports First Nations-led safety programs that are already making a difference in communities across the North. Community Safety Guardians are trusted community members trained to provide culturally safe support, de-escalate conflict, and assist people in crisis. Unlike conventional enforcement approaches, Guardians focus on healing, wellness, and connection, rather than enforcement or punishment.