Government of Yukon provides response to coroner’s inquest jury recommendations

November 4, 2024

The Government of Yukon, in collaboration with Connective, has formally responded to the recommendations from the jury regarding the April 2024 coroner’s inquest into the tragic deaths of four Indigenous women at 405 Alexander.

The Government of Yukon extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and communities of Cassandra Warville, Myranda Tizya-Charlie, Josephine Hager and Darla Skookum. Their lives and legacies are a solemn reminder of the urgency and importance of this work.

The coroner’s inquest jury recommendations identified specific areas in policy, training and support at 405 Alexander that need strengthening. As part of the Yukon government’s response, each of the eight recommendations is being implemented.

1. Policy review: Connective has reviewed policies for 405 Alexander, focusing on key areas identified by the jury’s recommendations. Updated policies provide clear guidance for staff and support culturally safe, trauma-informed and harm reduction practices.
2. Training review: an annual training plan now supports staff at 405 Alexander in critical areas, including overdose response, cultural humility and harm reduction practices. Training programs continue to be updated to better support the needs of staff, guests and residents.
3. Staffing priorities: Connective is prioritizing hiring Indigenous staff and individuals with lived experience to create a culturally safe environment and strengthen supports and services.
4. Evaluation: a formal and continual evaluation of Connective’s response to recommendations 1,2 and 3 is scheduled to support continuous improvement of service delivery.
5. Independent review: policies now include provisions for independent reviews should critical incidents, such as deaths, occur at 405 Alexander.
6. Grief and loss support: the Government of Yukon and Connective have engaged directly with affected families and Yukon First Nations governments. Counseling services and Connection Circles are being offered to support healing and closure.
7. Communication: monthly connection circles are now available to 405 Alexander guests.  Staff communication practices have been improved to provide consistent, informed support.
8. Safe spaces: Connective has and will continue to work to create dedicated spaces within 405 Alexander for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

To support these efforts, a new independent committee is being established to review and provide feedback on the actions implemented to respond to the jury’s recommendations. This committee, which will include representatives with lived experience, community organizations and health care experts, will report directly to the Substance Use Health Emergency Oversight Committee. The committee’s mandate will be to align the work of continuing improvements in service delivery and care provision at 405 Alexander with the broader goals of the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan (DWSRAP), the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) Strategy and the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy (SUHES).

The Government of Yukon remains committed to building a territory where every Yukoner feels safe, respected and supported with opportunities to thrive.

On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I extend my deepest condolences to all those who knew and loved Cassandra Warville, Myranda Tizya-Charlie, Josephine Hager, and Darla Skookum. Today’s response to the coroner’s inquest jury recommendations is an important move toward creating a safer and more supportive environment at 405 Alexander. The inquest’s important work has provided valuable insights that will guide our efforts to improve care for those in need. We are committed to implementing these recommendations and to ensuring the safety and dignity of everyone at 405 Alexander and across the territory.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee

As we navigate this tragedy, it’s crucial that we continue to move forward in our efforts to create a safer, more just Yukon for everyone. In honouring the memories of Cassandra Warville, Myranda Tizya-Charlie, Josephine Hager, and Darla Skookum, we hear the voices of their families and loved ones, and we recognize the need for change. We heard similar calls for change at this year’s Accountability Forum on Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy, along with the need to honour those we have lost. Our government will continue working with partners to realize a future where all Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people are treated equitably, with dignity and justice.

Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean

Media contact
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca

Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7058
thibaut.rondel@yukon.ca

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