WHITEHORSE, NWT—The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) has announced the grand opening of the Family Preservation Wellness Centre, the first Yukon First Nation-led shelter dedicated to supporting women and children.
The Family Preservation Wellness Centre marks a significant milestone in addressing a critical gap in services by providing safe and culturally supportive emergency housing. The 15,000-square-foot facility offers 10 apartment-style units, with up to 32 beds. Visitors can stay there for up to 90 days. The centre will also offer essential programming tailored to the needs of Yukon First Nations women and families.
Since the groundbreaking ceremony in May 2023, CYFN has worked closely with Yukon First Nations, women's groups, and community partners to bring this vision to life. The project was made possible with support from the federal government through the 12 Shelter Initiative that is administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), and the Government of Yukon's donation of land.
"CYFN's Family Preservation Centre will provide a much-needed sanctuary for survivors of domestic violence, offering families the support they need to regain their independence and rebuild their futures in a safe environment," said Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Nathanial Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services. "The federal government's investment in this Centre reflects how the National Housing Strategy is ensuring that everyone has a place to call home and meets a need for lower-barrier services that are inclusive and grounded in Indigenous cultural ways of knowing and doing."
