First locally developed course established under First Nation School Board

February 13, 2025

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the First Nation School Board.

Together, the Government of Yukon and First Nation School Board take this moment to hold up the educators and school community in Dakwäkäda where Food Sovereignty 12, an enriching and empowering locally developed high school curricula, has been approved by the Minister of Education, the Chairs of the First Nation School Board and the St. Elias Community School Community Committee.

The goal of Food Sovereignty 12 is to deepen students’ comprehension of the food chain and its significant influence on the availability, cost and accessibility of produce, especially in northern regions grappling with challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, access to First Nations traditional harvesting areas, reliance on food imports and limited local food production.

Through an examination of the principles of food sovereignty, global economics and climate change considerations, the course endeavours to equip students with the knowledge and competencies needed to tackle food insecurity and advocate for sustainable, First Nations inclusive, community-driven solutions for long-term food provision.

Together, educators Albert Oriol Surroca and Kàłxʼòkw Leger combined local, historical and scientific knowledge with an experiential approach, to develop a cohesive and connective study of food systems and community health. Spanning diverse curricular competencies including economics and transportation, First Nations empowerment and resilience and ecological studies, the 100–120 hours of instruction engage Grade 12 learners in the important work of climate change and food security. Once completed, learners earn a total of four high school credits.

The introduction of a food sovereignty education curriculum in the Yukon is a transformative step toward greater sustainability, resilience and community empowerment. This initiative directly addresses food system vulnerabilities, strengthens our local economies, promotes health and preserves vital skills and values for future generations. Our government is proud to support a course that is made in the Yukon, for Yukoners, paving the way for a stronger, more self-reliant future in our territory.

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

This course, the hard work of its developers and the continued dedication of the educators and Knowledge Keepers who implement it, deserve our respect and acknowledgement. This is an example of what collaborative education, based in reconciliation and directed by local community, can look like. We are very proud of this accomplishment and we are excited to continue supporting efforts like these in our work together.

Executive Director of the First Nation School Board Melissa Flynn

Quick facts

• St. Elias Community School is one of 11 public schools operated and managed by the First Nation School Board in the Yukon.
• These schools are for all Yukon students and teachers. They aim to promote reconciliation by enhancing a Yukon First Nations model that puts the student first, through a strengths-based, community-centred approach.

Media contact

Michael Edwards
Communications, Education
867-471-0902
michael.edwards@yukon.ca

Roxanne Stasyszyn
Communications, First Nation School Board
867-332-9837
communications@fnsb.ca

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