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. In response, 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 Nations 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 Nations Chiefs and Elders, community members, educators, and politicians across the Yukon. YNTEP students are part of an educational tradition that is committed to building educational practices and institutions that support reconciliation and decolonization. We expect graduates of YNTEP to lead for change, providing a curriculum of consequence as a foundation for a brighter future for all Yukon students and their communities.
The YNTEP degree is a four-year, 120-credit program leading to a Bachelor of Education degree credentialed by University of Regina. Graduates qualify for both Saskatchewan and Yukon Teacher Certification and are eligible for teacher certification throughout Canada.
YNTEP is a full-time program comprised of fall and winter coursework, a 4-week spring practicum in a rural community, a 1-week summer cultural camp, and a 16-week Internship.
Seats will first be offered to qualified applicants of First Nation heritage.
Admission requirements are as follows:
For recent high school graduates (i.e., the applicant has only attended high school or has fewer than 24 credit hours of postsecondary courses):
See UR requirements for conditional acceptance here.
Current high school students can provide an interim grade report and a schedule of current/planned courses by email, fax, or mail (Choose one method only).
All applicants must submit official final high school/secondary transcripts to have acceptance confirmed.
Approved additional courses are listed on the University of Regina website.
For applicants who did not graduate from high school or have fewer than 24 credit hours of postsecondary courses or do not meet high school requirements:
- has been out of full-time secondary school for a minimum of two years
- can demonstrate the ability to succeed at university through life- or work-related experiences
- if attended secondary school in the last five years, must submit official high school/secondary transcripts
- if attended post-secondary, must submit official transcripts from post-secondary institutions
- a minimum of 65% in ENGL 060 or equivalent scores on English Assessment
- acceptable scores on Math Assessments or completion of MATH 050 or equivalent
- proof of English Language Proficiency
For post-secondary applicants (i.e., the applicant has a minimum 24 credits at the postsecondary level):
- minimum 65% average across all postsecondary credits completed (applicant is not require to submit high school transcript)
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 provide a test of English proficiency. Always check with YNTEP coordinator well ahead of the start of the semester, in case specific testing will be required.
Application dates
Fall 2024 Entry
The deadline for application for Fall 2024 is May 1st, 2024. 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.
Applying to Yukon University
Apply to Yukon University online AND submit supporting documents to in a single package to:
Office of the Registrar
Yukon University
500 University Drive
PO Box 2799
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 5K4Phone: 867.668.8710 or toll-free 1.800.661.0504
Applications MUST be accompanied by the following documents:
- Three letters of reference:
- 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).
- Official copies of high school and post-secondary transcripts sent to Yukon University. Official transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope, directly from the post-secondary institution.
- A current resume highlighting the applicant's employment, community service, and volunteer work, as they related to children and youth.
- Personal Statement of 500 words or less (for further information see YNTEP Application Checklist).
- Current acceptable criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check. (Students wishing to do field work in Yukon Schools are required to undergo a security clearance process which requires the completion of a criminal record/vulnerable sector check.) Applicants must request this from the RCMP and deliver the completed form to:
Manager, Human Resources
Yukon Department of Education
Box 2703 Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
t 867 393 7132 or toll free number 1 800 661 0408 ext. 7132
teacher.recruitment@yukon.ca
t 867 667 3718 or toll-free 1 800 661 0408 ext. 5131
- 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.
IMPORTANT: Please send one copy of all official post-secondary transcripts must also be sent to the University of Regina:
University of Regina
Enrolment Services Admissions, AH 108
3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina, SK S4S 0A2
The University of Regina awards a Bachelor of Education for the successful completion of 120 credits in YNTEP.
Students must maintain an overall 65% average in order to complete program requirements for graduation and, in some cases, to continue in the program.
Students must successfully complete all core education courses and the following electives:
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5 courses from 'Non-Education Electives'
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2 courses from 'First Nation Language Electives'
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1 course from 'Natural Science Elective'
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1 course from 'Media, Art, Performance Elective'
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1 course from 'Open Elective' (from any category listed above)
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.
The content of the YNTEP program meets and exceeds the standards of YukonU's First Nation Core Competency requirement.
For details, visit Yukon First Nations Core Competency
Students should use this guide during each term's course selection and for tracking progress towards degree completion. Program advising is always available, but students need to be aware of their status with YukonU and the University of Regina. Courses may not be offered in the term indicated in the template.
NOTE: This guide was revised June 9th, 2022 to add a Year 2 fall course required by the University of Regina.
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 867 668 5209 to make an appointment.