Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Calls for Respect for the Health Authority Act and Meaningful Government-to-Government Engagement
The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) is calling on the Government of Yukon to respect existing legislation and engage in transparent, government-to-government dialogue following recent indications that it intends to halt progress on the Shäw Kwäʼą Health Authority.
Shäw Kwäʼą was established under the Health Authority Act, passed by the Yukon Legislative Assembly in 2024 after years of collaborative work between Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon. Until amended or repealed by the Legislature, the Act remains in force.
For VGFN, this matter is not procedural. It is about legislative integrity, partnership, and the stability of Yukon’s health system.
The Board of Shäw Kwäʼą has stated that there is no mechanism within the Act or its transition regulations that allows implementation to be “paused” through announcement or consultation alone. Any change to the Authority’s mandate must follow the lawful legislative process.
Shäw Kwäʼą was developed in response to documented structural pressures within Yukon’s health system, including fragmented service delivery, workforce shortages, inequitable health outcomes, and rising costs. Its creation reflects nearly a decade of fiscal review, independent analysis, public consultation, and government-to-government collaboration.
Since the appointment of the initial Board in August 2025, foundational governance and transition- readiness work have been undertaken in accordance with the Act. This includes development of corporate bylaws, submission of a 2026–2027 transition budget, labour engagement, workforce planning, and cultural safety training. No operational transfer of services has occurred.
VGFN also notes that Yukon’s health system continues to face measurable pressures:
- Hospital admissions approximately 45 percent higher than the national average
- Emergency visits for mental health approximately 80 percent higher than the national average
- A projected 140 percent increase in the population aged 75 and over by 2044
These pressures will not pause while political decisions are debated. Long-term health system planning requires stability, clarity, and adherence to established law.
VGFN remains committed to collaborative solutions that strengthen accountability, sustainability, and equitable health outcomes across the territory. Respect for legislation and meaningful government-to- government engagement are essential to maintaining trust and advancing health transformation in Yukon.
For all media inquiries, please contact:
Riley Smith, Strategic Communications Advisor
riley.smith@vgfn.ca
(867) 966-3261
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