Timeline

WOMEN'S DIRECTORATE BECOMES FREE-STANDING DEPARTMENT

The Department reports to the Minister Responsible for the Women's Directorate, the Honourable Margaret Joe. 

FIRST-EVER FIRST NATION WOMAN NAMED TO CABINET

NDP MLA Margaret Commodore (formerly Margaret Joe) of B.C.'s Sto:lo Nation named Minister of Health and Human Resources.

WOMEN ON WHEELS ESTABLISHED

Travels to Yukon communities to provide workshops on women's issues like childcare and wage equality.

EMPLOYMENT HANDBOOK FOR YUKON WOMEN PRODUCED

The Women's Directorate produces How to Get a Job, an employment handbook for women. 

FIRST WOMEN IN THE ECONOMY CONFERENCE

Organized by the Women's Directorate and held in Haines Junction.

YUKON ADVISORY COUNCIL ON WOMENS ISSUES (YACWI) ESTABLISHED

Serves as a forum for rural and urban, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women to advise the government on issues of concern to women.

WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT GROUP ESTABLISHED

Set up to address the barriers to advancement of women managers. A Report on Affirmative Action in the Yukon Government recommends creating a sub-committee of women employees in government (WIG).

EMPOWERING FIRST NATIONS WOMEN IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Yukon Indian Women's Association develops the Dene Nets'et'edan project to empower rural First Nations women to pursue personal and community economic development.

AUDREY MCLAUGHLIN, YUKON MP, ELECTED AS NATIONAL NDP LEADER

Audrey McLaughlin becomes the first woman in Canadian history to lead a national political party.

MARKING THE MONTREAL MASSACRE

The Women's Directorate works with the Victoria Faulkner Women's Centre to commemorate the tragic deaths of 14 young women killed at the École Polytechnique de Montréal in December.

YUKON GAY AND LESBIAN ALLIANCE (GALA) IS ESTABLISHED

Yukon Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA) is established. The mission statement included transgender people despite name.

FIRST YUKON WOMEN'S AWARD NIGHT

Sponsored by various Yukon women's groups and organizations on March 8, International Women's Day, to celebrate the achievements of Yukon women. Later changed to coincide with Persons Day on October 18.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY BRANCH ESTABLISHED

Set up by the Public Service Commission to promote equitable participation and remove employment barriers for women, Aboriginal people, and people with disabilities within government.

SEXUAL ASSAULT/FAMILY VIOLENCE INFORMATION LINE SET UP

24-hour information line is developed and staffed by the Family Violence Prevention Unit and Kaushee's Place (Yukon Women’s Transition Home).

OVER 100 NEW CHILDCARE SPACES CREATED THROUGHOUT TERRITORY

New child care bill is tabled in the Legislative Assembly as a result of the Yukon Child Care Strategy.

TEEN PARENT CENTRE OPENS

Allows young people who are pregnant or parenting to continue their education, offers academic, pre-natal, post-natal and parenting education, and provides daycare for infants and toddlers of student parents.

FIRST SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION WEEK

This week of school-based workshops and presentations later evolves into Sexual Assault Prevention Month every May.

WOMEN ON WINGS: A FEMINIST DISABILITY COLLECTIVE

Created by Judi Johnny after she was inspired by attending a Disabled Women’s Network Canada (DAWN) conference.

CANADIAN FILIPINO ASSOCIATION OF THE YUKON FOUNDED

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH ESTABLISHED IN CANADA

Established in October by the federal government to celebrate the vital contributions of women to Canadian society.

OUR LAND, TOO: WOMEN OF CANADA AND THE NORTHWEST, 1860–1914

Supplementary Grade 10 history text is distributed to Yukon high schools, highlighting women's contributions to society. Written by Carolyn Moore and Karen Jean Braun. 

MULTIPLE ROLES, MULTIPLE VOICES: A SURVEY OF YUKON WOMEN PUBLISHED

A statistical report on the concerns and priorities of Yukon women is published by the Women's Directorate and the Yukon Bureau of Statistics. 

GIRLS EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY PILOT PROJECT

Becomes Youth Exploring Trades the following summer.

GENDER EQUITY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS POLICY INTRODUCED INTO YUKON SCHOOLS

FIRST WOMEN OF GRIT PROGRAM

Offered for women in transition experiencing violence, stress, or hardship.

VIDEO: A CENTURY OF YUKON WOMEN PRODUCED

Co-sponsored by the Women’s Directorate and the Department of Education.

REFORM OF THE LAW OF INTOXICATION: A FIRST NATIONS WOMEN'S ANALYSIS

Corinne McKay, a First Nations law student, researched and wrote the analysis. It used by national women's groups to persuade the Federal Minister of Justice to take action to negate the Daviault decision that accepted intoxication as a defence to sexual assault. 

FIRST-EVER FIRST NATIONS PERSON APPOINTED COMMISSIONER FOR THE YUKON

Judy Gingell is appointed Commissioner.

YOUTH INVESTMENT FUND (YIF) ESTABLISHED

Provides short-term operating funds to community-based projects that involve "at-risk" youth.

FIRST LAND CLAIMS AND SELF-GOVERNMENT TRAINING FOR ABORIGINAL WOMEN

Workshop hosted by the Women's Directorate supported First Nations women in their interest to participate in the ongoing implementation of land claims and self-governance.

FOUNDING OF LES ESSENTIELLES

Non-profit organization represents the interests of francophone women in Yukon.

YUKON ANTI-POVERTY COALITION (YAPC) FORMED

Works to eliminate poverty in the Yukon through advocacy, awareness, and action.

ADDRESSING GENDER AND HARASSMENT IN SPORTS

The Women's Directorate worked in collaboration with Sports and Recreation to address gender and harrassment in sports, through changes to Government of Yukon Community and Transportation Services's Yukon 2000 report.

IN OTHER WORDS: AN INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE GUIDE RELEASED

Helps government employees communicate in ways that reinforce the full participation of all people.

FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT INTRODUCED

Offers three protective court orders to help victims: an Emergency Intervention Order, a Victim's Assistance Order, and a Warrant of Entry.

WORKSHOPS OFFERED FOR DIVORCING AND SEPARATING PARENTS

For the Sake of the Children offers workshops based on a Manitoba program.

WOMEN'S ADVOCATE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED

Victoria Faulkner Women's Centre sets up program to support and advocate for women navigating social and legal systems related to areas such as child protection, housing, and intimate partner violence.

"SURVIVING IN WHITEHORSE" PUBLISHED

Lists places in Whitehorse to access free or low-cost goods and services (including food, clothing, shelter, support, job-training, and counseling). Now published by the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition.

ACT TO AMEND THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT PASSED

Prohibits discrimination based on source of income when seeking accommodation, applying for work, using a public facility, or accessing a public service.

YUKON WOMEN IN MUSIC BORN

The organization organizes concerts, workshops and fund raising events, and provides networking opportunities for Yukon women in music. Nicole Edwards speaks about mentorship

YUKON GOVERNMENT AMENDS THE LIMITATION OF ACTIONS ACT

Amendments recognize the need for healing of survivors of sexual abuse and remove time restrictions on legal action. Amendments also apply to minors who suffered sexual abuse or sexual misconduct in childhood.

LIARD ABORIGINAL WOMEN'S SOCIETY (LAWS) FOUNDED

A non-profit, charitable, Aboriginal organization that provides social development services to the Kaska Nation in Yukon and northern British Columbia.

CIRCUMPOLAR WOMEN'S CONFERENCE HELD

A three-day conference was held in Whitehorse in November, bringing together 400 women from around the north.

COUNTING US IN: A STATISTICAL PROFILE OF YUKON WOMEN RELEASED

The profile is launched by the Women's Directorate during Gender Equity Awareness Week in April.

GWAANDAK THEATRE FOUNDED

Develops, produces, and tours professional plays that reflect on Indigenous equality and empower northern voices. Patti Flather, co-founder, talks about women as storytellers.

KIDS RECREATION FUND CREATED

Administered through Sport Yukon, the fund provides lower-income families in Yukon with children aged 0 to 18 years an opportunity to participate in sport and recreational activities.

FIRST WOMAN PREMIER OF YUKON ELECTED

Pat Duncan, leader of Yukon’s Liberal Party, becomes the second woman in Canada to be elected premier through a general election.

FIVE OF THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT POSITIONS IN YUKON HELD BY WOMEN

The five positions are Commissioner Judy Gingell; Member of Parliament Louise Hardy; federal Senator Ione Christensen; Whitehorse Mayor Kathy Watson; and Yukon Premier Pat Duncan. The sixth position, that of Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations, was previously held by Judy Gingell.

YUKON WOMEN IN TRADES AND TECHNOLOGIES (YWITT) OPENS

The goal is to increase the number of women in Yukon trade and technology jobs. Betty Irwin talks about women in trades. 

GATHERING HELD FOR YUKON WOMEN ON HOW MINING AFFECTS COMMUNITIES

A two-day gathering, Gaining Ground: Women, Mining and the Environment, brings Yukon women together to discuss the impact of mining on communities, families, and the environment, and strategies for positive social change. Organized by the Yukon Status of Women Council and the Yukon Conservation Society.

FIRST BARE ESSENTIALS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

The campaign, which runs in late November, invites Yukon government employees to donate basic supplies to all women’s shelters for women fleeing violence.

YOUNG WOMEN EXPLORING TRADES CONFERENCE HELD

A one-day conference for Grade 8 Yukon girls explores the trades in a safe and supportive environment.

EXPLORING LIFE CHOICES FOR YOUNG YUKON WOMEN

Six A Cappella North 2 bulletins explore topics such as alcohol and drug use, sexual assault, First Nations youth, education, active living and health, and equality.

HOT PEACH PAGE (SINCE RENAMED ABUSE HELP LINE) PUBLISHED IN YUKON PHONE DIRECTORY

COURT WATCH YUKON ESTABLISHED

Set up by the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre to oversee and address the court’s response to female victims of abuse and sexualized assault.

"GROWING TOGETHER: OUR COMMUNITY, OUR CHILDREN" CONFERENCE

Learning Disabilities Association of Yukon (LDAY) holds a three-day conference on early intervention and quality childcare.

FIRST YUKON FRANCOPHONE JOURNAL ON CHILD CARE PUBLISHED

Le Nombril, an annual perinatal and early childhood journal, is published for Canadian francophone families by Les EssentiElles, a Yukon organization for francophone women.

WHITEHORSE ABORIGINAL WOMEN'S CIRCLE FOUNDED

A non-profit organization set up to create an outlet for the voices of Aboriginal women in Whitehorse.

RURAL PREGNANT MOMS SUITE OPENS IN WHITEHORSE

The suite in Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre provides women from Yukon communities with a place to stay while awaiting delivery.

SAME SEX MARRIAGE LEGALIZED IN YUKON

YUKON BRANCH OF ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY FORMED

The Society works with women, girls, and children involved in or affected by the criminal justice system, as well as those at risk of involvement.

GRASSROOTS SUPPORT FOR GIRLS IN FARO

"Girls Night Out", a volunteer-led initiative in Faro, is developed to encourage general wellness and provide support for healthy development of girls ages 11-17 in Faro.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOURS ADOPTED IN LEGISLATURE

After 3 women MLAs lobbied for more family-friendly hours, Legislative Assembly hours change from 1-6 pm to 1-5:30 pm.

TERRITORIAL REPORT ON WOMEN'S HOMELESSNESS RELEASED

The Yukon Status of Women Council publishes A Little Kindness Would Go a Long Way: A study of women's homelessness in the Yukon.

TWO SUCCESSFUL YUKON ABORIGINAL WOMEN'S SUMMITS

Strong Women, Strong Communities: Furthering Aboriginal Women's Equality conferences are held in Watson Lake and Whitehorse.

WHITEHORSE FOOD BANK OPENS

Beginning in May, the Food Bank provides emergency food to people in Whitehorse.

REPORT RELEASED ON MISSING AND MURDERED ABORIGINAL WOMEN AND GIRLS ACROSS CANADA

Voices of Our Sisters In Spirit: A Report to Families and Communities, published by the Native Women’s Association of Canada, identifies 520 known Canadian cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls.

SAFE LUNCH PROGRAM FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN BEGINS

"Sally and Sisters", a biweekly, substance-free lunch program for women and children, is launched in September by a number of organizations.

YUKON NUTRITION FRAMEWORK RELEASED

Published by Yukon Health and Social Services in March, the Framework defines food as a human right and establishes a food-secure territory as a goal.

MONTHLY SUPPORT MEETINGS ON GENDER IDENTITY AND SEX ORIENTATION ISSUES

PFLAG Whitehorse (a chapter of PFLAG Canada) holds monthly meetings for anyone struggling with sexual orientation and gender identity questions, either in themselves or with a friend or family member.

1ST NEWSPAPER ARTICLE BROACHING THE SUBJECT OF GENDER NON-CONFORMING PEOPLE

First article broaching the subject of Gender Non-Conforming people in the Rainbow Column of What's Up Yukon.

RECORD NUMBER OF WOMEN ELECTED TO YUKON LEGISLATURE

Nearly 32% of seats in the legislature are captured by women (the highest on record in Yukon). The NDP caucus is made up of 67% women. The party becomes the first with official party status in Canada to be made up of over 50% women.

MUSIC CAMP TO EMPOWER GIRLS HELD

The first “Empowering Girls Through Music” camp takes place in Faro.

WHITE RIBBON YUKON FOUNDED

White Ribbon Yukon, a non-profit organization led by men to oppose violence against women, is co-founded by Steve Roddick and Scott Carlson.

QUEER YUKON ESTABLISHED

A web-based LGBT support group is created.

YUKON QUEER FILM ALLIANCE ESTABLISHED

Yukon Queer Film Alliance is established. It presents film and other Queer art media to Yukon audiances such as the annual film festival Out North.

REPORT ON SOCIAL INCLUSION AND POVERTY RELEASED

The Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction Strategy is released in December.

POLICY ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY ESTABLISHED FOR YUKON SCHOOLS

In September the Yukon Department of Education adopts the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity policy. It requires schools to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for all students.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SYMPOSIUM HELD

The Yukon Status of Women Council organizes a reproductive health symposium with therapist Sarah Thompson from Alberta to talk to vulnerable Yukoners about reproductive choice (such as birth control and abortion).

CAMPAIGN TO STOP MALE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

Guided by a 2011 survey on stopping male violence against women and girls, the Women’s Directorate creates the "Am I the Solution" campaign.

RURAL YUKON ABORIGINAL WOMEN'S SUMMIT HELD

"Strong Women, Strong Communities: Restoring Our Balance" conference is held in Whitehorse.

TRANS YUKON FACEBOOK GROUP ESTABLISHED

Trans Yukon Facebook group established. It is a place to share information and resources.

FIRST 24 HOURS OF GAYLIGHT PARADE HELD

The Pride Parade takes place in June. Before the parades there were annual Pride picnics.

BETTY'S HAVEN APARTMENT COMPLEX OPENS

The complex, named after Betty Sjodin, a Gwich’in Elder who has worked for the Yukon women’s Transition Home Society for over 30 years, offers second-stage housing to women who have experienced violence.

WORKSHOPS FOR MEN AND BOYS TO STAND UP TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Les EssentiElles receives funding from Status of Women Canada to assess violence against Yukon women and create workshops that engage men and boys to resist violence against women. The workshops, taught by White Ribbon Yukon volunteers, are offered in high schools across Yukon until March 2015.

COMMEMORATIVE CARVING COLLECTION IN HONOUR OF YUKON SISTERS IN SPIRIT

The Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council donates a permanent, commemorative Grandmother Moon carving collection to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.

HIDDEN HISTORIES SOCIETY YUKON (HHSY) INCORPORATED

HHSY began hosting events and historical exhibits on Black and Asian history in Yukon in 2000. Lillian Nakamura-Maguire talks about Hidden Histories. 

INTERSECTIONALITY IS INTEGRATED INTO THE WORK OF THE WOMEN'S DIRECTORATE

Robin Hamilton discusses the importance of intersectionality.

PROGRAM ON FIREFIGHTING FOR YOUNG YUKON WOMEN INTRODUCED

The Ember Fire Academy is a week-long, hands-on program dedicated to introducing young Yukon women to firefighting.

NEW HEALTH CLINICS LAUNCHED

Yukon Sexual Health Clinic and Women's Midlife Health Clinic open. 

PRESENTATION ON CONSENT LAW IN CANADA HELD

Offered by Les EssentiElles, the presentation includes panel discussions, school activities, and movie screenings. The project includes a set of posters on consent law and a radio show discussing consent.

TRANSGENDER PLAYERS WELCOMED IN WOMEN'S HOCKEY

The Whitehorse Women’s Hockey Association drafts a board policy welcoming transgender players to play in the league.

RECOGNITION OF SAME-SEX PARENTS ON BIRTH CERTIFICATES

The Yukon government amends the Vital Statistics Act to recognize same-sex parents on birth certificates. Previously, only the biological parent in a same-sex relationship could be listed on the birth certificate.

COURT WATCH YUKON REVIVED

Court Watch Yukon was revived by the Yukon Status of Women Council, with support from the Women’s Coalition. 

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANNUAL CYFN FIRST NATIONS GRADUATION CEREMONY

WALKING WITH OUR SISTERS COMMEMORATIVE EXHIBITION IN YUKON

The exhibition to honour the lives of missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada is displayed at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.

PASSING OF A MOTION TO AMEND THE YUKON HUMAN RIGHTS ACT

In May 2015 the Yukon Legislative Assembly passes a motion to amend the Yukon Human Rights Act to explicitly protect the rights of transgender, transsexual and trans-variant citizens.

1ST YUKON SUPPORT GROUP FOR GENDER NON-CONFORMING PEOPLE

All Genders Yukon is established and becomes the first Yukon support group for Gender Non-Conforming people and the people that love them.

CITY OF WHITEHORSE ADOPTS LGBTQ WORKPLACE TRAINING

This is the first training to be made mandatory for all city employees and futre city employees.

CITY OF WHITEHORSE RAISES TRANSGENDER FLAG

On June 23rd close to 100 supporters, including officials from all levels of government gathered to see the first ever transgender flag raised on a municiple flag pole in Yukon.