Krista Mooney showcases items that will be distributed by the new, CYFN run, Moccasin Mobile Outreach van. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Whitehorse, YT – The Council of Yukon First Nations is set to launch the Moccasin Mobile Outreach van this coming Wednesday, February 1st, in a move to provide more services aimed at helping Whitehorse’s most vulnerable.
The van is set to operate on a route, that will change slightly each ride, on Thursdays through Saturdays between the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. The schedule for the outreach van had been determined after coordinating with the Blood Ties Four Directions Centre in an effort to avoid an overlap in outreach services.
Shadelle Chambers, the Executive Director of the CYFN, says that this new initiative is a significant stride forward.
“The CYFN is proud to be able to demonstrate leadership in ensuring that downtown safety initiatives are Yukon First Nations lead because we know many of the most vulnerable are Yukon First Nations and indigenous people,” said Chambers.
The van will be equipped with warm clothing, harm-reduction supplies, contraceptives hot food, and snacks. The staff will also be trained in first aid, mental health first aid as well as naloxone administration. Krista Mooney, a Justice Manager at CYFN, will be managing the outreach effort.
The Moccasin Mobile Outreach van in a test drive on Monday, January 29th, heading up Black Street. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Chambers emphasized the importance of staffing the outreach van with Indigenous individuals to better connect emotionally and culturally with the people that they are setting out to serve.
“It’s going to be important to have culturally safe programs being led by Yukon First Nations,” said Chambers. “I think it’s really important that vulnerable populations see themselves reflected in the service that understands the historical trauma, and the realities faced by Yukon First Nations. So it’s really important to have a Yukon First Nations lead service.”
The funding from the Yukon Government is set to expire on March 31st and in the meantime the CYFN will monitor the impact of the initiative by looking at various factors including the number of people served and what type of supports are needed.
The CYFN says that the van will likely be in increased demand in the summer months and plans to extend its operational hours to seven days a week.
