Proposal Call For Second Round Of Northern Strategy Trust Funding+

FOR RELEASE #07-116
June 7, 2007

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Forum has begun the process of soliciting proposals for projects from Yukon First Nation governments and Yukon government departments for the 2007 Northern Strategy Trust Funding.”We are working in partnership with Yukon First Nations through the Yukon Forum to ensure projects funded through the Northern Strategy provide long-term benefits to Yukoners,” Premier Dennis Fentie said. “We know that interest is high, as last year we received proposals for over ten times the funding that was available.”

This year more than $15 million is expected to be allocated to projects that best meet the priorities set out in the Yukon Chapter of the Northern Strategy, which was developed in partnership with First Nations and in consultation with Yukoners.

“Northern Strategy projects can play a critical role in strengthening Yukon First Nations governance, partnerships and institutions,” Grand Chief Andy Carvill said. “As well, they can do much to enhance the capacity of our governments to serve their citizens, so it’s important that Yukon First Nations take advantage of this opportunity by submitting conceptual proposals before the July 20 deadline expires.”

Yukon First Nation governments and Yukon government departments are eligible to submit a one-page conceptual proposal for Northern Strategy funding. Governments may champion a proposal on behalf of a non-government organization.

A joint committee comprised of senior officials of Yukon and First Nation governments will review the conceptual proposals and invite more detailed proposals from those screened into the second phase. The Yukon Forum makes the final decision on allocation of funding.

Proposals must comply with a set of principles that will ensure continuing long-term benefits to Yukon people and contribute to social, political, economic or cultural development, or to the preservation of Yukon’s environment, culture or heritage.

For additional information on the Northern Strategy’s Yukon Chapter, please refer to the following link: http://www.gov.yk.ca/depts/eco/general/yukon_chapter_northern_strategy.pdf.

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Contact:

Roxanne Vallevand
Government of Yukon Cabinet Communications
(867) 633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Peter Lesniak
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
(867) 393-9202
peter.lesniak@cyfn.net