by Admin | Oct 29, 2025 | Blog, Newswire
One Yukon Coalition Receives Charitable Status and Launches New One Health Website
Whitehorse, Yukon – October 28, 2025 – One Yukon Coalition (OYC) is proud to announce that it has been officially registered as a Canadian charity, marking an important milestone in advancing community-driven health research and education across the North.
Effective July 23, 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) designated One Yukon Coalition as a Charitable Organization (Registration No. 748542214 RR0001) under the Advancement of Education – Research category. This designation recognizes OYC’s commitment to fostering local capacity, strengthening One Health approaches, and advancing equitable, evidence-based health and ecosystem solutions across Yukon and northern communities.
“Obtaining charitable status is a significant step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our mission,” said Math’ieya Alatini, Board Chair of One Yukon Coalition. “It allows us to continue bridging Indigenous, environmental, and public health perspectives through research and education – by the North, for the North.”
To celebrate this milestone, One Yukon Coalition has launched its new website – www.oneyukononehealth.ca – a central hub for sharing research updates, educational resources, and community stories. The platform highlights OYC’s One Health programs, combining environmental monitoring, data innovation, and Indigenous knowledge to improve health outcomes and resilience across Yukon communities.
About One Yukon Coalition
One Yukon Coalition is a registered charitable organization based in Whitehorse, Yukon, dedicated to advancing One Health education and applied research in partnership with northern, rural, and Indigenous communities. Through programs that integrate environmental, animal, and human health, OYC supports inclusive and community-driven approaches to data, health, and sustainability.
Contact:
Carolina Koutras
Chief Operating Officer
One Yukon Coalition
201 – 307 Jarvis Street
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2H3
Email: hello@oneyukon.ca
Website: www.oneyukon.ca
by Admin | May 6, 2024 | Blog, Newswire
Embracing Traditional Wisdom: How Wastewater Testing Can Aid Indigenous Communities in Addressing Substance Abuse
By Amanda Johnston, One Yukon Coalition Board Director
Substance abuse is a pressing issue that affects many of our Indigenous communities, posing a threat to our cultural values and the health of our people. As a One Yukon Coalition (OYC) Board Director, I am deeply committed to the well-being of communities and preserving traditional ways of life.
In recent years, wastewater testing has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding and addressing the challenges of substance abuse in a way that is respectful of our traditions and values.
Respecting Indigenous Knowledge
Our traditional knowledge teaches us the importance of living in harmony with the natural world and respecting the balance of life. Wastewater testing aligns with these principles by allowing us to understand the impact of substance abuse on our communities in a non-invasive and environmentally conscious way. By analyzing wastewater, we can gain valuable insights into drug consumption patterns and tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of our community.
Empowering Community-Led Solutions
One of wastewater testing’s strengths is its ability to empower communities to take a proactive approach to addressing substance abuse. By providing objective data on drug consumption, wastewater testing enables us to make informed decisions about prevention and treatment programs. This data-driven approach ensures that our efforts are focused on areas of greatest need, leading to more effective outcomes for our people.
Honoring Our Ancestors
As Indigenous people, we are the custodians of a rich cultural heritage passed down to us by our ancestors. Substance abuse threatens to erode this heritage, leading to the loss of traditional knowledge and practices. Wastewater testing offers us a way to honour the legacy of our ancestors by addressing the root causes of substance abuse and promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyles within our communities.
Building Stronger Communities
By embracing wastewater testing, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that are better equipped to address the challenges of substance abuse. This approach fosters collaboration between community members, researchers, and policymakers, creating a united front against addiction. Together, we can work towards healing and revitalizing our communities, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
Embracing Wastewater Testing
I believe that wastewater testing offers us a valuable tool in our efforts to address substance abuse in a way consistent with our cultural values and traditions. By embracing this technology, we can gain valuable insights into drug consumption patterns, empower community-led solutions, and honour the legacy of our ancestors.
Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities grounded in the wisdom of our past and the promise of our future.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substances, help is available. Call 867-667-8473 to learn more about counselling, detox supports, treatment programs and medication coverage.
Amanda Johnston is One Yukon’s Board Director. Amanda brings her diverse heritage and holistic perspective to One Yukon as a proud member of the Crow Clan with a deep connection to her Kaska and Tahltan ancestry. Leaning on a vast experience of governance and community engagement, Amanda was recently elected Councillor for Liard First Nation. Alongside her elected position, Amanda is the Vice President of People and culture for Kermode Consulting and has demonstrated expertise in governance and community-centric health solutions.
