June 02, 2026
Note: This release was originally issued by One Yukon Coalition
Whitehorse, Yukon – One Yukon Coalition (OYC), with support from Genome British Columbia and Genome Canada, is launching an Indigenous-led genomics training initiative focused on One Health, environmental DNA (eDNA), and climate resilience in Northern and Indigenous communities.
Led by OYC in collaboration with communities and academics, the initiative will co-develop and deliver a culturally grounded genomics curriculum for Indigenous youth, students, and Yukon First Nation Land Guardians, integrating First Nations knowledge systems with modern genomics, environmental monitoring, and public health science.
The program will build local capacity in areas such as eDNA sampling, biodiversity monitoring, sequencing technologies, and data governance. The initiative will bring some of the most advanced portable field genome sequencing technologies into the territory for the first time, helping decentralize genomics capacity and expand Northern leadership in community-led environmental and public health monitoring. The program also builds on a longstanding collaborative relationship between OYC and the the laboratory of Dr. Fiona Brinkman at Simon Fraser University.
The training model includes hands-on field and laboratory learning, mentorship opportunities, community-based projects, and a train-the-trainer pathway designed to support long-term sustainability and scalability across Northern, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities beyond the territory. The initiative creates pathways for long-term community leadership in genomics and environmental health.
“This initiative is about ensuring Northern and Indigenous communities are not simply participants in genomics research, but leaders in shaping, governing, and applying it. By bringing advanced portable sequencing technologies and hands-on genomics training directly into the North, we are helping build long-term community capacity rooted in Indigenous governance, local priorities, and One Health approaches that connect environmental, animal, and human health,” said Alison Perrin, PhD, Board Director with OYC.
“Genome BC is deeply committed to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives centered on OCAP® principles, emphasizing true shared governance and self-determination. Moving beyond traditional consultation ensures that participating communities retain full ownership and strategic control over their data generation, governance and dissemination,” said Dr. Zsuzsanna Hollander, Genome BC’s Interim Vice President, Research and Innovation. “True innovation happens when technologies and knowledge are placed directly in the hands of communities to solve local environmental and health challenges, on their own terms.”
The program reflects a growing movement toward community-led One Health approaches that connect climate resilience, biodiversity monitoring, environmental stewardship, and public health under Indigenous governance.
Learn More
OYC’s One Health Initiative
Explore how One Yukon Coalition is advancing community-led monitoring and integrating environmental, animal, and human health approaches across Northern and Indigenous communities, including wastewater monitoring, eDNA, and public health initiatives: https://www.oneyukon.ca/impact
Genome Canada Indigenous Genomics Initiative
Learn about Genome Canada’s announcement supporting Indigenous-led genomics projects focused on community priorities, technology adoption, and capacity development: https://genomecanada.ca/indigenous-genomics-projects-to-support-community-led-research-and-technology-adoption/
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