Housing partnership supporting Yukon First Nations and Indigenous women and children expanded

Press Release

May 4, 2026

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations.

The Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations have expanded a partnership providing transitional housing for Yukon First Nations and Indigenous women and children in need.

An additional 12 housing units in Whitehorse’s growing Whistle Bend neighbourhood are offering safe, stable, second-stage housing for women and children transitioning from the Family Preservation Wellness Centre. Residents may stay for up to 24 months and have access to supports and services as part of the Council of Yukon First Nations’ Family Preservation Services.

Through Yukon Housing Corporation’s five-year strategic plan, Creating Home, the Government of Yukon is exploring and implementing new approaches to integrated housing, which address the supportive housing and shelter needs of vulnerable Yukoners. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to Yukon First Nations-led housing solutions that promote safety, wellness and stability and aligns with a Government of Yukon priority to increase the availability of housing.

We are pleased to expand our existing partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations to address supportive housing options. Together, we are improving overall wellness for Yukon First Nations and Indigenous women and children and laying a foundation upon which they can thrive.

Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation Scott Kent

Having a safe place to live is the foundation for healing and for keeping families together. These additional units mean Yukon First Nations and Indigenous women and children can move out of crisis and into stability, with the time and supports they need to rebuild their lives. This is what Yukon First Nations-led, community-driven solutions look like.

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Math’ieya Alatini

Quick facts

• Yukon Housing Corporation owns three six-unit residential buildings in the Whistle Bend neighbourhood and is responsible for building maintenance as required.
• The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) leases and operates all three buildings and is leading program delivery and resident supports.
• CYFN’s lease of the first building was previously announced in August 2025. Two additional six-unit buildings were added to CYFN’s program, bringing the total number of CYFN-operated buildings to three.
• Residents began moving into the two additional buildings in December 2025.
• Yukon Housing Corporation purchased the three buildings in Whistle Bend for a total of $6.3 million on February 7, 2025. Of this amount, $1.23 million was allocated from the federal government through the northern carve-out under the Affordable Housing Fund, with the remaining $5.07 million funded by Yukon Housing Corporation.
• Each building comprises six two-bedroom units, for a total of 18 housing units leased to and operated by CYFN.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
tim.kucharuk@yukon.ca

Hope McDonald
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-332-8774
hope.mcdonald@yukon.ca

Stephanie Joe
Communications Advisor, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9200 ext. 9223
communications@cyfn.net

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