May 2022

Funding for the linked efforts of Yukon University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Yukonstruct Society supports resilience and growth
 

A key part of Canada’s economic recovery is supporting businesses as they adapt, grow, and move forward from the pandemic. Businesses and entrepreneurs need a strong foundation, built on technological innovation and clean growth to create the workforce of the future.

Across the territories, Northern and Indigenous partners are building a path forward through creativity, collaboration and determination. In the Yukon, this is demonstrated by the united efforts of the Yukon’s innovation community, which has worked closely together to adapt and grow through challenging times.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) and researchers at Yukon University are working in collaboration to address the effects of climate change thanks to a multi-year research project that will assess the vulnerability of the CAFN Traditional Territory to climate change and permafrost thaw.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced $429,028 in funding for the project through the Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program. He was joined by CAFN Chief Steve Smith, Dr. Lesley Brown, President and Vice-Chancellor, Yukon University, and Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, at an event at Yukon’s NorthLight Innovation Centre.

WHITEHORSE, YT—Northern Vision Development (NVD) donated $1 million to Yukon University today and issued a challenge to Yukoners to raise a further $3 million to support students in their education goals.

“Yukon University’s new strategic plan offers a bold vision of the impact Canada’s first university north of 60 can have on our future. We challenge business leaders and individuals across the territory to fuel student success, research grounded in northern values and inspiring ways of teaching and learning. I look forward to working closely with Wendy Tayler and the Yukon University Foundation over the next two years to multiply the power of NVD’s gift,” said Rich Thompson, president, and chief executive officer, NVD.

Tune in as we celebrate our first-ever presidential installation!

Dr. Lesley Brown will be officially installed as the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of Yukon University in a ceremony held at the Kwänlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Friday, May 13, 10:30 Yukon Standard Time
President Installation Program

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.