Government of Yukon invests $2.3 million in Planet Youth pilot project to address youth substance use
The Government of Yukon is investing $2.3 million for four Yukon First Nations to participate in a five-year Planet Youth pilot project addressing youth substance use. The First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, working with both Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation, and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation will each implement Planet Youth’s evidence-based Icelandic Prevention Model to address various issues affecting youth in their communities including substance use, mental health, social integration and resilience building.
As a key prevention action under the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy, this initiative focuses on community-driven, data-informed strategies to reduce youth substance use and foster healthier environments. The two selected applications demonstrate a clear understanding of the Planet Youth model’s values and propose robust plans for diverse community coalitions to support its implementation.
The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation’s application highlights the model’s potential to help identify local needs and encourage youth and community engagement through data-driven efforts.
Similarly, the application submitted by First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation emphasizes how the model aligns with their cultural traditions of collective responsibility and community-driven action. The three First Nations’ coalition approach incorporates the involvement of Elders, Knowledge Keepers and representatives across their communities to design and execute prevention strategies tailored to local challenges and opportunities.
In 2025, the pilot project will start with planning and developing educational modules in collaboration with the Planet Youth team. Comprehensive data collection and action implementation will follow in 2026–27.
This milestone is a significant step in the Yukon’s Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy, aiming to reduce substance use and improve the overall health and wellbeing among Yukon youth.
Supporting and investing in Yukon communities to help foster healthier environments for youth is a priority of our government. The Planet Youth initiative offers an evidence-based, culturally adaptable approach to substance use prevention. We are proud to partner with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation as they lead the way in building a brighter future for Yukon youth through this pilot project.
Minister of Health and Social Service Tracy-Anne McPhee
It feels good to see that we are not fighting the social battle alone. The Icelandic Prevention Model has already proved its effectiveness. We are excited to see the positive impact of the collaboration within the community. Residing in an isolated community comes with its own challenges but when you know that there is an effective collaboration in place that can create a positive impact you feel good. We have an amazing team and youth that will not only feel supported but will learn a lot from this model.
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Director of Health, Social and Recreation Natasha Frost
“Dän Chì Yets’Olido”, meaning “everybody strong together, strong nation”, represents an exciting opportunity to empower our youth and create meaningful, lasting impacts for their future and our communities. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to fostering wellness for our youth and building a stronger nation together.
First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun Wellness and Social Programs Director Mika Bernier
Quick facts
- The Government of Yukon has allocated $2.3 million as part of the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy to the Planet Youth pilot project and will provide support through guidance and project management.
- The Icelandic Prevention Model, which forms the basis of Planet Youth, has been implemented in over 16 countries, including in Canadian communities and is globally recognized for its effectiveness.
- The initiative requires the participation of at least 25 youth per community to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis.
- The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation’s applications as well as the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation’s application were selected for their strong alignment with the principles of the Icelandic Prevention Model and committed community coalitions.
- Data collection is expected to begin in 2026–27 and will enable communities to understand their local risk factors and design targeted interventions.
Media contact
Jordan Owens
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0615
jordan.owens@yukon.ca
Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7058
thibaut.rondel@yukon.ca
Natasha Frost
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
867-966-3261
natasha.frost@vgfn.ca
Mika Bernier
Wellness & Social Programs Director, First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun
867-996-2265, extension 125
wellnessdir@nndfn.com
NT4


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