1. Yukon Land Claim Agreements outline the negotiation and settlement process between Yukon First Nations and the Canadian federal government over Indigenous land claims in Yukon, based on historical occupancy and use. These agreements, also known as Final Agreements, are modern treaties negotiated to settle these claims, ensuring First Nations' rights on Settlement Land and within their Traditional Territory, including matters of heritage, wildlife, non-renewable resources, and economic development.
2. Yukon Self-Government Implementation Plans are integral components of the land claim agreements, detailing the transition of governance powers from the Canadian government to the Yukon First Nations. These plans enable First Nations to enact legislation across various domains, establish governing bodies, and assume responsibility for delivering programs and services to their citizens, thereby fostering self-determination and autonomy.
3. Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA), signed in 1993, serves as the overarching framework for individual First Nation Final and Self-Government Agreements in Yukon. It delineates compensation, land entitlement, and establishes Yukon-wide management structures for heritage, wildlife, land, and resources. The UFA is pivotal in defining the quantum of land to be returned to First Nations and establishing principles for subsequent negotiations.
4. Yukon First Nations Final Agreement encapsulates the specific provisions agreed upon between a Yukon First Nation, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Yukon. These constitutionally protected agreements are tailored to the unique circumstances and needs of each First Nation, addressing land ownership, financial compensation, and the framework for self-governance, thereby formalizing the relationship and obligations of the involved parties.

For a deeper understanding and further details, visit the following websites:

• Umbrella Final Agreement
• Yukon First Nations Final Agreements
• Yukon Land Claim and Self Government Agreements – Government of Canada Website

A tribute to the trailblazers

Honouring those who shaped our future  

Over the last several decades, our region has gone through massive changes. This section focuses on some of the positive developments and is dedicated to the people who led the way. You’re invited to learn more about these transformative milestones in our recent history, and to join in honouring the Elders who worked “together today for our children tomorrow.”

The Virtual Resource Centre (VRC) is dedicated to providing invaluable resources for Indigenous communities in the Yukon. Our policies are the backbone of our operations, ensuring that we offer consistent, reliable, and meaningful support to our community. Here's a look at how our policies guide us in making decisions and carrying out our mission.

Understanding Our Policies

Policies are essential written guidelines that aid in decision-making. These can range from simple directives, like a restaurant's dress code, to complex laws that govern organizational operations. At the VRC, our policies cover a wide range of areas, such as:

• Financial Management: How we secure funding, budget, monitor spending, and report our finances.
• Operations: The detailed procedures for our daily activities, including how our staff and volunteers plan, execute, and evaluate their work.
• Human Resources: Guidelines for recruiting, hiring, orienting, and managing staff, along with details on employment terms and union agreements, where applicable.
• Client Services: How we describe our programs, determine client eligibility, and deliver services effectively.
• Governance: The processes our Board of Directors follows in decision-making, aligned with our bylaws, articles of incorporation, and legal requirements.

Policy Development Process

Creating and updating our policies involves a series of thoughtful steps:

1. Identify: Recognize when a decision lacks policy guidance, which could lead to inefficiency and inconsistency.
2. Review: Check existing policies for potential updates or the need for new guidelines.
3. Research: Look into policies of similar organizations and gather necessary information.
4. Engage: Consult with internal and sometimes external stakeholders for insights.
5. Write: Draft the policy using our standard format.
6. Feedback: Share the draft with stakeholders, collect their input, and refine the policy.
7. Approval: Present the final draft for approval by the management, Board, or equivalent authority.
8. Implementation: Develop and execute a plan to enforce the policy.
9. Evaluation: Assess the policy's effectiveness and the implementation process at scheduled intervals.
10. Renew: Update the policy as required based on evaluation outcomes.

Our Commitment to Community and Excellence

At the VRC, we are deeply committed to supporting the vibrant Indigenous communities of the Yukon through clear, effective, and empowering policies. Our goal is to create an environment that not only supports but also enhances the delivery of programs and services, ensuring that every interaction with the VRC is meaningful and beneficial.

Stay Engaged and Informed

We invite our community members, partners, and stakeholders to engage with our policy process. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to meet our collective goals and support the wellbeing of Indigenous communities in the Yukon. Together, we can build a brighter, more supportive future for all.

Content on the VRC is thoughtfully organized into the following three accessible levels, ensuring users can find the support and resources they need easily and efficiently:

1. Direct User Support: This level offers resources tailored for individuals seeking immediate information, support, or advice. Whether you're looking for assistance in accessing programs or services in virtual or face-to-face settings, you'll find the resources here to meet your immediate needs and interests.
2. Service Provider Support: Designed to bolster the capabilities of service providers, this level contains resources developed to enhance the delivery of programs and services to Indigenous communities. It's all about building capacity and fostering excellence in service provision.
3. Program Design and Policy Development Support: Aimed at service providers, supervisors, policy specialists and decision-makers, this level focuses on resources that enhance organizational capacity. These materials support the design and implementation of programs and the development of policies within organizations serving Indigenous people.

Types of Resources

As the VRC evolves, it will feature at least three types of information across each level:

• Yukon-specific Indigenous Resources: Authentically developed by Yukon Indigenous people for the VRC, or externally developed resources that have been deemed relevant and useful for our users.
• Indigenous Resources from Outside Yukon: Carefully selected resources developed by Indigenous communities across Canada and worldwide, aligned with the needs and interests of our users.
• Non-Indigenous Resources: These resources, whether from Yukon or elsewhere, have been reviewed and chosen for their potential utility to our users. Any adaptation of content for VRC use adheres to cultural, intellectual property protocols, ethical guidelines and laws—with input from VRC community partners.

Design Principles

Our commitment to developing, adapting, and selecting resources is guided by the following principles:

1. Use of plain language to ensure accessibility.
2. Incorporation of graphics to enhance understanding.
3. Ensuring cultural appropriateness and relevance.
4. Age-specific or inclusive content tailored for youth, Elders, and young families.
5. Embracing diversity in all its forms.

These principles will be reviewed and further developed with community partners.