Government of Yukon invests $2.3 million in Planet Youth pilot project to address youth substance use
jlutz
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.