The Yukon government is contributing $11,000 in funding to support the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Association of Yukon Communities’ (AYC’s) Chiefs and Mayors Forum for 2024-25.

The funding will allow the forum to occur twice in the coming year, the government said Wednesday. The first forum is being hosted today at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre.

The first-ever Chiefs and Mayors Forum occurred on Oct. 24, 2023 at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.

“This initial meeting was successful, resulting in meaningful conversations that fostered better understanding and promoted collaboration between jurisdictions,” the government said in a statement.

“The Government of Yukon is eager to celebrate the successes of this forum and these growing relationships.”

Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn added, “Discussions between chiefs and mayors build connections that are vital to a strong, resilient Yukon.

“Open and candid dialogue between chiefs and mayors encourages greater understanding and propels the territory forward. I am pleased we are continuing to support this forum.”

AYC president Ted Laking said the organization “is thankful for the financial support provided by the Government of Yukon that will be very helpful in making these important meetings possible.

“The Chiefs and Mayors Forum will go a long way towards facilitating stronger relationships between local governments and First Nations governments on our path towards reconciliation. “Thank you to the premier and minister of Community Services for providing this assistance.”