Ed. note: Tracy-Anne McPhee, the minister of Justice and Health and Social Services, has issued this statement.

Congratulations to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government on 25 years of self-government.

On July 16, 1998, the Yukon, federal and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in governments signed the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Final and Self-Government agreements.

I was honoured to represent Premier Ranj Pillai and join the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in in the celebrations last Thursday in Dawson City as well as participate in the naming ceremony and opening of Jëje Zho, the new men’s shelter.

This significant anniversary is a testament to the vision, determination and unwavering dedication of those who worked to negotiate these agreements and those who are now working to implement them.

These agreements recognize the inherent rights of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, including land ownership, resource management, self-government, economic development and ensure the preservation and celebration of the vibrant Hän culture, language and traditions for generations to come.

The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people have shown tremendous leadership, fostering economic growth, social well-being and environmental stewardship within their traditional territory.

Their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for their citizens, promoting sustainable development and strengthening community resilience is truly commendable and serves as an inspiration to us all.

We see this with Thursday’s moving opening of Jëje Zho, an inclusive, barrier-free shelter that will help serve unhoused and precariously housed men.

Jëje Zho also provides on-site care and support for substance use and mental wellness.

Our government is proud to help support this facility, alongside our partners in the federal government, with $900,000 invested through the Yukon Housing Corporation’s Housing Initiatives Fund.

Thank you to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government for the opportunity to speak at the smudging and naming ceremony for this place that will do so much to meet the needs of some of our territory’s most vulnerable.

On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I express my congratulations and our commitment to continue working together to implement these agreements.

I look forward to deepening our relationship and achieving more milestones together in the years to come.

I would like to extend my sincere best wishes to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government and their citizens as they celebrate this milestone.