Whitehorse Emergency Shelter confirms the death of one person visiting the shelter

Wednesday, 2 October 2024 15:57

Whitehore Emergency Shelter (Photo by Panebi Wilson)

A member of the community passed away while visiting one of the residents in the permanent housing units.

The death of one person visiting the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter has been confirmed by the Connective Society.

Over the weekend, one person whose identity is yet to be identified died in the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter while visiting one of the residents in the permanent housing units above the shelter.

Confirming the incident to CHON-FM, the Connective Yukon regional director Gigi McKee said “the Connective are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the community passed away while visiting one of the residents in the permanent housing units above the emergency shelter this weekend.”

McKee added that while the Connective understands that the community would desire to learn the details of the incident, the protection of the privacy and safety of every resident priority.

“We cannot provide any further details other than to confirm that emergency services were called to the facility on September 30. Beyond that, we cannot provide further comment," McKee said.

In an email to the news, Chief Coroner Heather Jones said “her office will not be releasing any information at this time."

This death comes about six months after a coroner's inquest into the deaths of four Indigenous women at the shelter between 2022 and 2023. At the end of the inquest, eight recommendations were made available by the jury which include: a comprehensive policy review, enhanced training for staff, prioritizing the hiring of Indigenous employees and individuals with lived experience, and creating safe spaces for all shelter guests.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Soft Ball fields to become new site for École Whitehorse Elementary School

The new École Whitehorse Elementary School will be built at the northwest corner of the Takhini Educational Land Reserve.
City of Whitehorse launches internal investigation of removed and damaged personal items at Gray Mountain Cemetery

"It's quite devastating." Whitehorse residents are sifting through piles of flowers and keepsakes at the cemetery to find the items that belong on their loved ones' graves.
Porter Creek Secondary School grade 10 students release orange shirt day designs and limited-edition t-shirts

We receive emails after they are sold out of people looking for these shirts
CHON-FM celebrates 40th anniversary with a massive concert at Rotary Park

Audio

The sold-out show had an audience of 300 listeners from near and far.
New venue for CHON-FM's 40th anniversary concert announced

I think this is a great opportunity for people to get their family and friends out, listen to some good music, enjoy some food and just have some good time
CAFN mourns passing of past chief

"Singing Chief" Bob Charlie dead at 76
Yukoners voice support and solidarity for First Nations through mining concerns

A solidarity event at the Yukon courts draws supporters of the Kaska Nation appeal to the construction of Kudz Ze Kayah mine, and the Yukon NDP adds its voice in support of a public inquiry into the heap leach failure at Victoria Gold's Eagle Gold mine.
Temporary Recycling Deport now open in Whitehorse

Non-refundable materials, such as tin cans plastic containers and mixed paper and cardboard, can be dropped off at the City of Whitehorse Waste Management Facility
Whitehorse RCMP arrests one male connected to robbery in Whitehorse.

A lone adult male entered the store with bear spray, sprayed the employees
YG selects experts for independent review into Eagle Gold mine failure while Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation supports demand to halt mining

First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun invited to join the review process at any time.
Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation holds concert to raise awareness about heap leach mining in the Yukon

Local talent and headliners performed at the Carmacks Recreational Complex on August 24.
Yukon Star shuts its doors

Publisher announces the closure three months after launch.
Yukon Government says they did not intend to put Victoria Gold out of business

Their inactions led to serious concerns as the purpose of those directives was to make sure Victoria Gold was acting appropriately.
The Yukon Party says Vicotria Gold Corporation should retain control of the mining site.

The government’s decision raises questions that require additional public scrutiny and explanation to Yukoners.
Yukon Human Rights Commission investigated for fairness

There was evidence of unfair operational issues that included gaps in policies and procedures, concerns with how the Act was being interpreted to meet their operational requirements,
Yukon government says no to First Nation demand for a halt to mining and offers few details regarding dead fish found at Haggart Creek

Pillai offers two month pause for consultation for new mines on First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun traditional territory, but says a full halt of mining activity would have "significant legal and economic consequences."
Pillai breaks silence on Eagle Gold mine disaster

Pillai: "Industry cannot operate today – if it is at tomorrow’s expense."
Concert in Carmacks raises voice against heap leach in the Yukon

"This is about raising a voice," says Colin Prentice, Manager of Lands and Resources with Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation
Fifth Eagle Gold technical briefing acknowledges missed deadlines, wildfire, and calls for an independent review

Questions about holding Victoria Gold accountable for missed deadlines or taking over for the mining company completely were largely brushed off by officials.
Victoria Gold failed to meet inspector's direction deadlines from the Yukon Government

A Natural Resource Officer found an unlined excavation significantly smaller than the secure, lined storage facility the company was directed to install on July 10.