CYFN TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY Held in Kwanlin at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre. Photo by Alistair Maitland Photography
Project Context
The Council of Yukon First Nations’ Family Preservation and Wellness Centre offers culturally safe emergency housing and supportive services in Whitehorse. As the first initiative of its kind led by Yukon First Nations, the Centre represents a significant step in a longstanding movement to ensure services reflect Indigenous values, support healing from the impacts of colonization, and help build a stronger future for Yukon First Nations communities.
CitySpaces' Role
CitySpaces partnered with the Council of Yukon First Nations from the early stages of partnership development through to construction administration. Our team supported the Council in securing land, preparing a detailed Business Case, and submitting successful funding applications. Throughout the development process, CitySpaces provided ongoing leadership in procurement, contract management, funding coordination, and change management, while also serving as a liaison between the Council’s development and operations teams.
CitySpaces also collaborated closely with Connective Support Society, which offered operations consulting to help build the Council’s operational capacity. As both the Council’s first capital project and CitySpaces’ first capital initiative in the Yukon, the partnership was grounded in a spirit of mutual learning and collaboration.
Design & Development Highlights
The Centre offers 32-beds for women and children, with dedicated high- and low-barrier areas to accommodate varying needs. These areas are positioned on either side of a shared kitchen and communal dining space, balancing privacy with opportunities for connection. The facility also includes indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, a cultural room, a wet workshop, and other program areas that support healing and community.
Led by Kobayashi + Zedda Architects, the design team focused on creating a warm, welcoming environment that feels like home, intentionally avoiding institutional design features. The project emphasized the use of natural materials and incorporated opportunities to highlight Yukon First Nations art throughout the space.
Impact
The Council of Yukon First Nations strategically leveraged the project to create economic opportunities for Yukon First Nations. During the construction phase, CitySpaces and the Council adopted a procurement approach modeled on the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy, developed in collaboration with all 14 Yukon First Nations. A joint venture, Ketza-Walker, was established to respond to the RFP. This approach not only supported the growth of Yukon First Nations-owned businesses but also created substantial employment and training opportunities for Yukon First Nations citizens within the construction sector.
Areas of Expertise
Facilitation + Engagement
Visioning & Project Concept
Partnership Generation
Feasibility & Business Cases
Owner’s Representative & Project Management
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