Dear Citizens and KDFN Community Members,

We are reaching out today to explain why Council has made the difficult decision to require proof of vaccination for KDFN employees, and for people who access some programs and services through our Nation.

We’re doing this because we value our employees and our community, and we need everyone to stay as healthy as possible. This is about saving lives.

We are incredibly sad that KDFN has lost two Elders to this virus. We mourn with the families and friends of all the people we have lost. And, we wrap our arms around our community as we all grieve.

So far, Yukon First Nations have been more negatively affected by COVID-19 than other people in the Yukon. We need to stay vigilant. We know everyone is tired of COVID-19, but the virus does not care. It will look for opportunities to spread in unvaccinated populations.

If you’re unsure about getting vaccinated, please reach out to KDFN’s Natsékhi Kų̀ Health Centre with your questions. The nurses there are ready to help.

Shä̀w níthän, gùnáłchîsh, mähsi’cho and thank you for making choices to keep our families, Elders, youth, Citizens, and community safe.

With Warm Regards,

Chief Doris Bill and KDFN Council

Elder Councillor Judy Gingell and Councillors Jessie Dawson,

Charlene Charlie, Charles Chief, Rosemary Waugh-Wilson,

Jesse Ryder and Ray Sydney