Our Families Our Future

Ni’ehłyat Nidähjì’ (Our Families, Our Future) is a new department, forged in 2023 within Trʼondëk Hwëch’in that focuses on families, youth, and children. Rooted in culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and holistic family centered care/practices when supporting our Indigenous families.

Ni’ehłyat Nidähjì is structured to ensure support is developed and implemented to support all TH families from family planning, children, and youth through ages 0 – 30, and of course, new parents. Ni’ehłyat Nidähjì oversees family supports including prevention/preservation which includes cultural programs, pre/post-natal support, Jordans Principle support, family wellness support program, nutrition, and ceremony.

Ni’ehłyat Nidähjì’ also oversees Intensive family supports and services which implements the Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU) signed with the Yukon Government and leads the Practice Framework Advisory Committee alongside other TH departments, citizens, and legal aid.

NN is preparing for TH jurisdiction and new legislation creation in realm of Family Child Services with TH traditions and culture at the forefront. This area also supports with cultural connections and cultural agreements for TH children in care that reside outside of the Yukon.

K’äjit-in Zho (Youth House) Programs and Services focuses on creating a safe, fun environment for youth as well as on the land healing and programming for Youth 30 and under. Ni’ehłyat Nidähjì is creating a new, more robust children-specific program which will be implemented to ensure fulsome supports are offered through this new department at all life stages.

Ni’ehłyat Nidähjì’ is proactively involved in our Governance through Youth Council, which meet monthly at the K’äjit-in Zho (Youth House). This is a great opportunity for Youth to speak on issues that matter to them and learn how self-governance works. Open to all Youth aged 16-30.

The Ni’ehłyat Nidähjì’ department is evolving each day, and we look forward to continuing to implement the citizens voices into the NN programs and services.