Yukon First Nations Wildfire

10/22/2026

YFNW's Operations Manager, Wayne Risby, took the stage yesterday at the Wildland Fire Canada Conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan! 🔥

As a member of the Thunderbird Collective Steering Committee, Wayne spoke about Indigenous Fire Stewardship in Canada, an important conversation about Indigenous leadership, traditional knowledge, and the role of Indigenous Peoples in wildfire management and caring for the land.

We're proud to see Wayne contributing to these conversations on a national stage, sharing perspectives and helping bring greater awareness to the importance of Indigenous-led fire stewardship.

Opportunities like this help strengthen connections, encourage collaboration, and ensure Indigenous voices are part of the conversations shaping the future of wildfire management in Canada.

10/21/2026

The first-ever Northwest Territories edition of Women on Wildfires (WOW) Training is in full swing this week!

YFNW Programs Manager Elise Brown-Dussault, alongside a team of knowledgeable instructors, has been spending the week at the stunning B. Dene Adventures Cultural Tourism Camp, where 11 enthusiastic participants have been making the most of their week at camp, learning new skills and taking on new challenges!

Participants have been learning about wildfire suppression, Incident Command System (ICS) with Crystal Collins from GNWT Fire, and of course, getting plenty of hands-on experience with WATERAX pumps! 💪

WOW is about more than learning the technical skills of wildland firefighting. It's about building confidence, trying something new, connecting with others, and exploring opportunities in the wildfire industry, all in a supportive and inclusive environment.

We're excited to see this program make its way to the Northwest Territories and can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings!

A big thank you to our instructors, hosts, and participants for making this first NWT WOW experience such a memorable one so far! 🔥

10/20/2026

Northern Cultural Expressions Society is hosting its second weekend workshop, Axe Making & Practical Bush Knowledge, with Niko Helm!

This hands-on workshop offers youth the chance to learn traditional skills, connect with culture, and explore practical knowledge about the land.

We love seeing opportunities that bring youth together to learn, create, and build new skills!

Interested in participating, or know a young person who might be? Register today!

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 867-336-2787
📍 Register in person: 102 Lambert Street, Whitehorse

Help spread the word by sharing this opportunity with Yukon youth, families, and community organizations!

Hello Community

NCES is proud to unveil its 2nd weekend workshop Axe Making with Niko helm and Practical Bush Knowledge. Carve and design your handle and create something custom for yourself or a loved one. As the winter rolls in, this workshop will also cover traditional wood species and their role in cooking, heating, shelter building.

Cultural Resilience, Community & Traditional Knowledge

This workshop is the second in a series of youth-focused workshops taking place throughout the winter of 2026–2027. The series is designed to create a welcoming, supportive space where youth can connect with culture, community, traditional knowledge, and positive role models while developing practical skills they can carry into their everyday lives.

Through hands-on activities, cultural learning, storytelling, traditional teachings, and opportunities to work alongside Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Artists, Mentors, and community members, youth will be encouraged to explore who they are, where they come from, and the strengths they carry within themselves and their communities.

The workshops are designed to provide youth with positive direction and meaningful alternatives to negative influences. By participating in engaging, culturally grounded activities, youth will have opportunities to build confidence, develop practical skills, strengthen relationships, and discover new interests and possibilities for their future.

For more information or to register contact Blake Shaa'koon Lepine, Program Supervisor: [email protected]

For in person registration visit 102 Lambert street or call 867-336-2787

10/16/2026

Know a Young Person Looking for Their Next Opportunity?

Or maybe you're a young person ready to take the next step toward employment? YFNW's Warrior Program is coming up this November, and registration is still open!

The Warrior Program is designed to help youth build confidence, develop practical skills, explore career opportunities, and prepare for the workforce in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Whether you're looking for an opportunity for yourself or know someone who could benefit, we'd love to help connect more Yukon youth with this program!

📅 November 16-27, 2026 (weekdays only)
📍 Whitehorse, Yukon
👥 Ages 16-30
💼 For youth who are currently unemployed

Over two weeks, participants will have opportunities to strengthen their employment readiness skills, make new connections, and gain valuable tools they can carry into their next job and beyond.

Interested? Or know someone who might be?

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/vrRLApQLHP
Questions? Contact [email protected]

Help us spread the word! Share this post with a young person, family member, friend, or community organization who might be interested. Sometimes all it takes is someone sharing an opportunity to help a young person find their next step! 🔥

10/13/2026

UPDATE: THE SPOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED!! Thank you for the shares!!

NWT women/LGBTQ2S+ folks! Are you ready to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and experience what it takes to become a wildland firefighter?

We have TWO spots available in our upcoming Women on Wildfires (WOW) Training in the Northwest Territories, and the program starts THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18th!

WOW offers a supportive, inclusive environment where participants can build confidence, develop practical firefighting skills, and explore opportunities in wildland firefighting.

📅 October 18–24, 2026
🏕 Fully at camp: Participants will stay at camp from Sunday, October 18, through Saturday, October 24.
🚐 Travel and accommodations are provided!
💰 A stipend is provided to participants who successfully complete the course!

Who can participate?

This training opportunity is open to women and LGBTQ2S+ individuals residing in the Northwest Territories only. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate out-of-territory participants for this session. First Nations, Metis and Inuit applicants will have priority.

With just two spots remaining and training starting in a few days, don't wait to express your interest!

Help us spread the word and reach someone who might be interested in this opportunity!

Email questions to: [email protected] or call 867-667-7258

10/12/2026

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we're taking a moment to appreciate the people, communities, and connections that make the work we do possible.

We're especially thankful for our dedicated crews and staff, the First Nations and communities we work alongside, and the families and loved ones who support our team throughout the year.

Whether you're spending the long weekend with family and friends, enjoying time on the land, or simply taking a well-deserved break, we hope it's filled with warmth, gratitude, and good company.

Please note that the YFNW office will be closed today, Monday, October 12th, for Thanksgiving. We will resume regular office hours on Tuesday, October 13th.

From all of us at Yukon First Nations Wildfire, Happy Thanksgiving!

10/07/2026

Sharing an opportunity from Da Daghay Development Corporation!

They’re currently looking for a Customer Service Agent to join their Property Management team in Whitehorse.

If you, or someone you know, is looking for a new opportunity, check out the original post below for more information and details on how to apply.

Please share and help spread the word!

We're Hiring!

Da Daghay Development Corporation is looking for a Customer Service Agent to join our Property Management team here in Whitehorse. If you're a people-person who loves helping others and staying organized, this could be a great fit.

Check out the full job description and how to apply here: https://www.dadaghay.com/careers

Know someone who'd be perfect? Tag them below!

10/02/2026

September was a busy month for hands-on training at YFNW!

Throughout the month, YFNW facilitated chainsaw training for Parks Canada and in Ross River, giving participants the opportunity to build practical skills and gain hands-on experience with one of the most important tools used in wildfire, forestry, and land-based work.

Chainsaw training is about more than learning how to make a cut. It’s about developing safe work habits, confidence, equipment knowledge, and practical skills that participants can carry forward into their work and communities.

We’re always happy to take training out into communities and work alongside organizations across the North. A big thank you to everyone who took part in September’s courses, and to the instructors who helped make them happen!

10/01/2026

What a week it has been at Shakat Tun Adventures, on the beautiful shores of Kluane Lake near Haines Junction! 🏔️🔥

Since Monday, 14 participants and four instructors have been on the land for our Women on Wildfires (WOW) Training, learning firsthand what it takes to become a wildland firefighter in an inclusive and supportive environment.

From fitness and teamwork to working with WATERAX pumps, hose, and other essential firefighting skills, participants have been getting plenty of hands-on experience while learning from one another and their instructors.

WOW is about more than learning the technical side of wildland firefighting. It’s an opportunity to build confidence, challenge yourself, develop new skills, and explore where a career in wildfire could lead.

There’s still more learning ahead, but these 14 participants will leave Kluane Lake with new knowledge, practical experience, and a much better understanding of life on the fireline. 💪🔥

A big Shä̀w níthän to our instructors, participants, and Shakat Tun Adventures for making this experience possible!