About Us
The Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council (YAWC) is a non-profit society located in Whitehorse, Yukon, that supports leadership and advancement for and by Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people in the Yukon Territory and Northern British Columbia.
“Empowering Indigenous Women, Advocating for Change, Celebrating Success”
Rooted in First Nation cultures and traditions, YAWC has advocated for the rights of Indigenous women in the Yukon and Northern British Columbia for more than 50 years. YAWC is now ready to create a long-term sustainable path forward into the new decade that is both comprehensive and holistic, taking into account the outside entities that work in unison with the organization to serve its clientele better.
Our History
YAWC has a history of almost 50 years! It was initially formed as the Yukon Indian Women’s Council as an opportunity to have a say in the decision-making process on issues affected by native women in Whitehorse and within Yukon. The first group of women met in Whitehorse at the Skookum Jim Friendship Center on January 21st, 1974. The women were Lorraine Joe, Margaret Joe, Frances Woolsey, Josephine Muff, Patt Delaney, Kathy Rear, Pat Martin, Maxine Grant, Emma (Kaushee) Harris, and Edi Bohmer.
Please stay tuned for more on YAWC's history.
Our Values
TRUST
Having confidence in the fairness and reliability of a person or organization. Trust is also a value that defines our interdependence in relationships, personal or professional, and confidence in the fairness and reliability of working with YAWC.
COLLABORATION
Through mutual dependence, action, and influence, we seek to listen and evolve with our partners for better outcomes, to help one another for the sake of the collective goal in supporting Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse peoples in the Yukon and Northern British Columbia.
LEADING WITH COMPASION
Using our ability to inspire others through encouragement and empowerment, we strive to treat our clientele, communities and partners with compassion to cultivate strong relationships and partnerships for long-term success.
SELF DETERMINATION
To give Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people a sense of choice and control. YAWC, through the empowerment of self, seeks to build confidence and resiliency to make decisions for a cultural and enriched life. Providing the right to choose what you will do with your life and with whom you will do it, and how others, including YAWC, can support them through the journey.
CULTURE AND TRADITION
Culture and tradition provide the structure and foundation of YAWC and the women, girls and gender diverse people and their families that we serve. It is based on a holistic approach, traditions, customs, protocols, values, spirituality, ceremonies, language, ways of knowing and being, connections to the land and life-sustaining resources of the land that we strive for the wellbeing of indigenous women, girls and gender diverse peoples in the Yukon and Northern British Columbia.
Our Team
YAWC is run by a Board of Directors and staff. The volunteer board comprises 7 - 10 members: 1 Youth, 2 Elders, and 5-7 Directors at large (including Officers). The Executive Committee includes the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and an Elder.
The Board meets quarterly or for additional special meetings to discuss issues affecting Indigenous women and their families in Yukon and Northern British Columbia and provide guidance to the Executive Director for actions. Contact us to connect with any of our board or staff members or to attend a meeting.
Want to Join Our Team?
We are always looking for people who are eager to share their talents and help improve the lives of Indigenous women and their families in our service area. Check out our Employment page for position openings.
Board of Directors
Terri Szabo, President
Vacant, Vice-President
Lorraine O’Brien, Secretary
Susan Magun, Treasurer
May Bolton, Elder (Executive)
Vacant, Elder
Katelyn Wolftail-Magun, Youth
Sandra Combs, Director
Yvonne Shorty, Director
Susan Burns, Director
Staff
Claudia Riveros, Executive Director
Taya Strawberry, Office Administrator
Simone Thiessen-Bishop, Communications
Emilie Dory, Programs Manager
Chelsea Elias, Programs Administrator
Joy O’Brien, MMIWG Outreach Program Coordinator and Senior Advisor
Salena Siah, MMIWG Outreach Program Assistant
Susan Ross, Special Projects Assistant
Jo Dillman, ISET Program Coordinator
Darlene Skookum, ISET Program Assistant
Dorothy Bellerose, Elder In-Residence
Theresa Blackjack, Elder In-Residence
Joanne O'Brien, Elder In-Training
Maisie Smith, Counsellor In-Residence
Tina Williams, Counsellor In-Residence
Cheryl Maguire, Counsellor In-Residence
Become a Member
Members of YAWC directly support the organization and receive updates through our Newsfeed and quarterly Newsletter on YAWC developments, opportunities, and upcoming events.
To become a member or renew your membership, please choose one of the following ways to complete the Membership Form:
- Online https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GVNPMZP or
- Download the Membership Application Form and email the completed form to info@yawc.ca or mail it to / drop it off at the YAWC office.
Annual membership runs from April 1st to March 31st and the fee is $2.
Society Business
Members in good standing are eligible to vote at YAWC Annual General Meetings and Special General Meetings for the purpose of election and other business, outside of quarterly or special board meetings. Contact us if you are interested in participating in any of our meetings.
Meeting Documents
2021 Documents
2020 Documents
July 25th —
February 8th —
2019 Documents
July 20th —