Northern Ministers unite in the Yukon to drive gender equity across the territories

Aug 14, 2025

This week, Minister Lucy Kuptana of the Northwest Territories and Minister Margaret Nakashuk of Nunavut visited Whitehorse to meet with the Yukon’s Minister Jeanie McLean, who is responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate. The three Ministers connected in July at the Federal, Provincial and Territorial meeting for Ministers responsible for the Status of Women in Yellowknife, where they committed to working together on shared priorities.

Day one focused on gender-based violence, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion strategies and ways to make programs more accessible for Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people in the territories. The Ministers also reviewed Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) strategies and attended the historic signing of a Yukon–Alaska Memorandum of Understanding – a significant step toward cross-border collaboration on this urgent issue.

Day two began with a virtual meeting with the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Canada’s Minister of Women and Gender Equality. The visiting Ministers received a tour of the Family Preservation Wellness Centre hosted by the Council of Yukon First Nations where they learned about their holistic approach to care for families.

Over the two days, the Ministers shared what’s working in each territory. They also addressed challenges faced by people – particularly women and gender-diverse individuals in remote communities – when they must travel for medical care and discussed ways to improve programs for children, youth, men and boys. Discussions included the need for access to federal funding for northern organizations, including funding for the remaining five years of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

The Ministers explored next steps for developing a memorandum of understanding that would formalize collaboration among the three territories on gender equity and MMIWG2S+ priorities. They also met with Indigenous women leaders in the Yukon, focusing on leadership, culture and economic empowerment.

These two days were a powerful reminder of why this work matters so deeply to northerners. I sat with women who are leading change in their communities with incredible strength, care and vision. Northern communities face unique challenges and we know that our voices are stronger when we speak together. During our meetings, we did just that – coming together to advocate for what our people need. It’s an honour to walk alongside these leaders and to share this path with fellow northern Ministers who understand the importance of this work.

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean

I was encouraged by the discussions and shared commitment that came out of our meetings in Whitehorse this week. In the North, progress on gender equity, safety and healing begins with listening to our communities and honouring cultural foundations. By working together, we are forging pathways to address gender-based violence, advance the MMIWG2S+ strategies and ensure that the unique challenges faced by women and gender-diverse individuals in remote northern regions are heard and prioritized. Together, we are committed to shaping solutions that reflect the lived experiences of northerners, fostering culturally relevant approaches and amplifying northern voices to create safer, more empowered communities for everyone.

Northwest Territories Minister responsible for the Status of Women Lucy Kuptana

Our remote communities face heightened needs and significant capacity challenges. Continued, reliable funding is essential to build local expertise, strengthen service delivery and ensure that our interventions and action plans are grounded in values and ways of life that have sustained communities here for generations. This includes a deep respect for Inuit Societal values and ways of life, which are not only foundational to our communities but vital to preserving cultural continuity across generations. This is how we ensure the care and safety of Nunavut’s most vulnerable individuals and families.

Nunavut Minister responsible for Status of Women Margaret Nakashuk

Quick facts

• The three Ministers met during the 43rd annual Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women in July 2025 and committed to continuing their collaboration.

• The Ministers discussed a potential territorial memorandum of understanding on gender equity, building on the recent Yukon–Alaska agreement.
• The Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy outlines 32 actions to advance justice, healing and community safety.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Uyanga Wren
Communications, Women and Gender Equity Directorate
867-332-5827
uyanga.wren@yukon.ca

NT4