Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Government of Yukon award recipients recognized in Ottawa for 2024 Old Crow flooding emergency response

Press Release

March 10, 2025

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

Representatives of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Government of Yukon received the prestigious Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award. The governments jointly received the award for the strong government-to-government collaboration in preparing for and responding to the high-risk spring breakup of the Porcupine River at Old Crow in 2024. The recipients were recognized at a ceremony in Ottawa on February 26.

The Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award, a partnership between federal, provincial and territorial governments, recognizes exceptional service and achievement and people who have achieved excellence in their respective fields.

The Government of Canada recognized the strong preparation and coordination prior to the breakup of the Porcupine River, and nominated members of those efforts for an Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award in the Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Management category.

The Summary of Achievements reads:

The 2024 Old Crow Ice Break-Up and Freshet Event marked a historic collaboration between Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Yukon government. Faced with a potentially catastrophic flood due to record snowpack and the threat of ice jamming in the Porcupine River, this unique partnership formed a Unified Command Incident Management Team (IMT). This carefully selected team of subject matter experts from both governments used traditional knowledge, flood forecasting and on-site observations to make consensus-based decisions in response to the emergency. Their inclusive approach ensured that the community’s cultural, historic and infrastructure needs were addressed, with efforts including the deployment of flood barriers, critical infrastructure protection and the establishment of a reception centre. Although the worst flooding was averted, the success of the IMT set a new standard for emergency management in the Yukon, highlighting the power of collaboration between a self-governing First Nation and territorial government. This partnership not only protected Old Crow but also created a model for future unified emergency responses in the region.

Representatives from the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Government of Yukon and from companies that participated in the response, including ATCO Electric Yukon, Stantec and TotalTrac, travelled to Ottawa to accept the award on behalf of the larger group of responders.

During the threat of flooding in 2024, staff from Yukon government and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation demonstrated the strength and value of the government-to-government relationships we have in the territory. The lessons learned through this successful joint emergency coordination will be used in planning and response for future events. Thanks to Yukon government staff who contributed to the unified command team and the incident response. We are glad to see this innovative approach recognized at a federal level.

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn

I would like to congratulate the  Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Yukon government recipients of the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award. This national award recognizes recipients for their cooperative spirit and dedication in service of our community when we faced a high risk of significant flooding last spring. By working together and having the right resources in place, we protected critical community infrastructure, significantly improved our emergency plans and strengthened our ability to respond to future emergencies. The need for excellence in emergency preparedness and response will only increase as the impacts of climate change continues to accelerate across the North. By working together – within our community and with our partners – we can build even greater resilience, protect our land and people and face the future with strength.

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Pauline Frost

Quick facts

• Awards are granted in five categories: resilient communities; search and rescue volunteers; search and rescue employees; youth; and outstanding contribution to emergency management.
• During the nomination period, federal, provincial and territorial governments may present awards in each category to deserving individuals or groups of up to 20 people.
• The Yukon government delegation included specialists in emergency management, emergency support services, incident command, flood forecasting, aviation, public works and communications.
• Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation recipients include Citizens and Elders who contributed to planning and risk assessment, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation staff, and local community safety officers and land guardians.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca

Julia Duchesne
Communications, Community Services
867-332-4188
julia.duchesne@yukon.ca

Gyde Shepherd
Communications Manager, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
613-804-4273
gyde.shepherd@vgfn.ca

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