Yukon’s New Training Program Strengthens Indigenous Wellness and Self-Determination
Yukon University, in partnership with House of Wolf & Associates, has launched the Community Safety Guardian Training Program: an Indigenous-led initiative empowering Yukon communities through culturally grounded approaches to safety, healing, and wellness. Reflecting UArctic’s values of collaboration and capacity building, the program fosters regional resilience and self-determination by training trusted community members to provide trauma-informed support and strengthen connections across the North.
A First Nation–led initiative is reshaping approaches to safety and wellness across the Yukon. In September 2025, Yukon University, in partnership with House of Wolf & Associates, launched the Community Safety Guardian (CSG) Training Program, a groundbreaking collaboration designed to empower communities through culturally grounded safety practices.
At its heart, the program reflects a fundamental shift from enforcement-based systems toward Indigenous-led approaches rooted in healing, empathy, and connection. Community Safety Guardians are trusted local members trained to provide trauma-informed care, de-escalate conflict, and assist those in crisis.
“Safety is most effective when it is community-led, culturally grounded, and rooted in self-determination,” says Gina Nagano, CEO of House of Wolf & Associates. “This program empowers communities to take safety into their own hands in a way that builds trust, prevents harm, and strengthens cultural connection.”
Delivered over six months in both Whitehorse and Mayo, the training integrates Elders’ guidance, Indigenous knowledge systems, and hands-on certifications in areas like trauma-informed care, conflict de-escalation, and mental health first aid. Enrollment is by First Nation nomination, ensuring each participant is trusted and supported by their community.
For Yukon University, this partnership is part of a broader commitment to support Indigenous-led approaches to education and community wellness. “This program prepares participants to foster healthier, more resilient communities,” said Patrick Rouble, Department Head of Continuing Education. “It’s about equipping people with practical skills while grounding learning in cultural knowledge and empathy.”
The program’s impact extends well beyond individual training, it builds a territory-wide network of Guardians who can collaborate across Nations and communities, share best practices, and strengthen regional resilience. This collective model not only enhances community safety but also reaffirms Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in decision-making.
For the University of the Arctic (UArctic), initiatives like this embody core values of collaboration, capacity building, and community-driven knowledge. Through supporting programs that empower Northern and Indigenous peoples to lead solutions for their own communities, UArctic’s network enhances long-term resilience, equity, and inclusion across the Circumpolar North. The Community Safety Guardian Training Program stands as a clear example of how education and partnership can strengthen both communities and the North as a whole.