Today, January 27, 2026, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Council is hosting a meeting in Dawson City, Yukon, to give young residents a chance to influence local decisions and community planning. The gathering is open to youth in the community and will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at K’äjit‑in Zho, a facility often called the Young People’s House.
The meeting is a formal way for young people to share their views on important issues such as mental health, housing, and land stewardship. These priorities will help shape the First Nation’s plans for the next three years, especially as the community prepares for a general election projected for August 2026. The Youth Council is a formal advisory body that brings youth concerns directly to the Chief and Council.
Attendees will also discuss how youth might use the new Heritage Complex, a major Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in infrastructure project funded at roughly $25 million. The complex is intended to include spaces for Hän language teaching, archives, classrooms and cultural programming to help keep traditions alive. The meeting also provides a space for youth to nominate or select representatives for government committees and to take on leadership roles.
Members of the Elders’ Council are expected to attend to provide cultural guidance and ensure new programs remain connected to traditional Hän knowledge and values. By involving the younger generation in these discussions, the community aims to build a future led by capable and culturally grounded leaders. This meeting is one of the first major youth gatherings in 2026 to help set the direction for upcoming community services.
