YUKON UNIVERSITY
House of Wolf & Associates and Yukon University partner to deliver transformative Community Safety Guardian Training

A powerful First Nation-led initiative is taking shape across the Yukon to help communities improve safety, healing, and wellness. House of Wolf & Associates, in partnership with Yukon University, is proud to announce the launch of the Community Safety Guardian (CSG) Training Program, in September 2025. 

This program supports First Nations-led safety programs that are already making a difference in communities across the North. Community Safety Guardians are trusted community members trained to provide culturally safe support, de-escalate conflict, and assist people in crisis. Unlike conventional enforcement approaches, Guardians focus on healing, wellness, and connection, rather than enforcement or punishment. 

"House of Wolf is proud to partner with Yukon University to launch the Community Safety Guardian training program. This is an initiative that reflects what we've learned through nearly two decades of working alongside First Nation communities: safety is most effective when it is community-led, culturally grounded, and rooted in self-determination. This program empowers communities to take safety into their own hands in a way that builds trust, prevents harm, and strengthens cultural connection. We're excited to help expand this proven model across the Yukon and Northern BC." - Gina Nagano, CEO, House of Wolf & Associates 

Delivered over six weeks (one week over six months), the program will be hosted in both Whitehorse and Mayo for this initial cohort. In future cohorts, we hope to rotate hosting among different Yukon communities. This shared model reduces the training burden on individual Nations and strengthens a territory-wide Guardian network. Elders and Indigenous experts are embedded throughout the training, offering cultural teachings and mentorship. 

"Yukon University is excited to be partnering with House of Wolf on this responsive, community-driven program that supports Indigenous-led approaches to safety and wellness. The Community Safety Guardian training program prepares participants to foster healthier, more resilient communities by equipping them with practical, hands-on skills and certifications in areas such as trauma-informed care, conflict de-escalation, mental health first aid, and more. It's a meaningful step toward building a Yukon where all communities are supported by people who lead with empathy, cultural knowledge, and confidence." - Patrick Rouble, Department Head, Continuing Education at Yukon University 

Yukon University is excited to be working on this responsive community driven program with the outcome of helping to prepare people to foster healthy communities. 

Upon completion of the CSG program, participants will gain hands-on skills and certifications in the following topics: 

• Trauma-Informed Care
• Conflict De-escalation
• Mental Health First Aid, First Aid & Overdose Response
• Legal Literacy
• Cultural Safety & Humility
• Service Navigation 

Enrollment by Nomination 

Candidates must be nominated by their First Nation, ensuring they are trusted, supported, and positioned to serve their communities directly. 

The first cohort begins Fall 2025, with sessions running monthly from September to January. Participants from Yukon and Northern BC are welcomed to apply. Tuition support is available, and organizers are working with Nations to help identify funding where needed. 

For more information on how to get involved or nominate a participant, please reach out to: 

• Gina Nagano - House of Wolf & Associates: (Program Co-Lead) at (867) 334-7609 or gina@houseofwolf.ca
• Patrick Rouble - Yukon University: (Department Head, Continuing Education) at (867) 333-9831 or prouble@yukonu.ca