June 2025

Construction underway for Yukon University's new science building

June 13, 2025
Yukon dignitaries at the construction site with shovels

$52.2M Polaris Project will provide updated learning spaces and laboratory facilities to the Ayamdigut Campus

After many years of planning and design, construction of the $52.2 million Polaris Project is getting underway. The 2,567m2 state-of-the art building will include modern indoor and outdoor learning spaces, laboratories and will be built to meet net zero carbon and accessibility standards.

On April 16, 2025, the ground was blessed in a ceremony led by the chiefs of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwatch’an Council, Sean Smith and Ruth Massie, along with University Chancellor Carol Geddes, Education Minister Jeanie McLean, and YukonU faculty and staff. Project partners and funders gathered on June 13 to celebrate the start of construction. The building is expected to be completed in Fall 2027.

Yukon University’s First Nations Arts certificate program is accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year

June 13, 2025
First Nations man stands in hallway smiling

After a brief pause in delivery, Yukon University is pleased to announce that its Yukon First Nations Arts Certificate Program (YFN Arts) is once again accepting applications for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The program consists of six comprehensive art modules alongside four University Access Pathway (UAP) courses. It combines hands-on learning in traditional and contemporary Indigenous visual arts with academic courses in English and math, preparing students to not only create but also market and manage their own art-based businesses.

Artist and educator Vernon Asp recently joined the Yukon University team as the new Assistant Professor for the YFN Arts program. Asp is an accomplished carver from the Tahltan First Nation, specializing in Northwest Coast Indigenous art.

Respected Elder and proud Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Citizen Mary Jane Jim receives YukonU Honorary Doctorate of Arts Degree

June 4, 2025
first nations woman in traditional stole and white blouse smiling

Yukon University will present Mary Jane Jim with an honorary doctorate degree at the annual Convocation ceremony on Saturday, June 7 on Ayamdigut Campus. Jim has dedicated her life to healing and empowerment through culture, language, and traditional knowledge.

As a citizen of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN), Jim comes from a long line of Southern Tutchone/Tlingit Matriarchs. She is a respected Elder, community leader, and advocate for Yukon First Nations, drawing strength from her family and community.

Her leadership encompasses language preservation, land claims, and wellness initiatives. She has twice served as Vice Chief for the Assembly of First Nations Yukon Region and held a position on the executive of the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN), where she is also honoured on the Wall of Honour.