Members of the territorial cabinet and Peter Johnston, the Council of Yukon First Nations’ grand chief, as well as other chiefs, met Friday for the first Yukon Forum of 2021.

The leaders discussed their joint priorities for the coming years, said an afternoon statement issued after the Forum.

They also reconfirmed their commitment to advancing these priorities through the Yukon Forum and its working groups, guided by the 2017 Working Together Declaration.

Leaders also discussed the importance working in partnership to address the legacy of residential schools in the Yukon, including an investigation of all former residential school grounds in the territory.

“The Yukon Forum continues to be a pillar of our collaborative efforts with Yukon First Nations,” said Premier Sandy Silver.

“We made significant progress during our previous mandate and today was an opportunity to discuss our shared priorities to make sure that important work continues.

“Our government remains committed to working in partnership with First Nations to advance reconciliation and improve the quality of life of all Yukoners.”

The Yukon Forum meets four times a year.

Friday’s gathering was the 17th Yukon Forum meeting since signing the Working Together Declaration in January 2017.

“Yukon First Nations welcomed the reconvening of the Yukon Forum following the recent territorial election,” said Johnston.

“The timely gathering was an opportunity to confirm shared priorities going forward and pick up to discuss ongoing initiatives.”