Yukon & Alaska Have Banned Together To Address Crisis Of Missing & Murdered Native Women

 Despite Rough Patches This Summer, Canada & Alaska Are Working Together On Common Goals Regarding Violence   

PRESS RELEASE, AUGUST 2025

GOVERNMENT OF THE YUKON 

Today in Whitehorse, the Government of Yukon and the State of Alaska achieved a significant milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cross-border collaboration to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People (MMIWG2S+) and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).

Initiated in April 2024, this agreement marks a critical step in uniting efforts across borders to improve safety and respond to gender-based violence in the northern communities. This MOU is a step toward informed and compassionate responses. While it does not replace community-led work, it creates a framework for governments to support that work more effectively. It formalizes a commitment to share knowledge, data and promising practices to improve public safety, support healing and promote culturally appropriate approaches.

The signing ceremony was attended by Yukon First Nations, Indigenous women’s organizations and guests, underscoring the partnership’s deep roots in Indigenous leadership and community engagement.

Following the ceremony, officials from the Yukon and Alaska engaged in, in-depth discussions on service delivery, data collection and violence prevention strategies, tailored to the unique needs of northern and remote communities.

This agreement reflects a shared commitment to enhanced communication and collaboration that honours the lives of Indigenous people affected by gender-based violence. It aligns closely with the Yukon’s strategy for Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ People, reinforcing pan-northern cooperation on public safety and gender-based violence. 

Together, the Yukon and Alaska are advancing meaningful, united action to promote healing, safety and justice for Indigenous communities.
 

This crisis affects families across borders and to address it effectively we need to work together. I’m grateful that Alaska shares this understanding and that we have been able to formalize this partnership through signing this agreement. Having Commissioner Cockrell and his team here in Whitehorse underscores the strong partnership between Alaska and the Yukon, as we are both deeply committed to this critical work. Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean 

 

This Memorandum of Understanding serves as a foundation for Alaska and the Yukon to come together to share best practices and learn from each other, to better respond to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit+ People, and Indigenous People, as well as to support affected families. We are committed to working with First Nations governments, Indigenous women’s organizations and non-governmental organizations whose partnership is instrumental in moving this work forward.  Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee 

This agreement reflects our shared commitment to confronting the missing and murdered Indigenous people situation with urgency, compassion and collaboration. By working closely with our partners in the Yukon Territory, we can strengthen cross-border coordination, share proven strategies and ensure that victims and their families receive the support, respect and justice they deserve. Together, we are sending a clear message that these crimes will not be ignored and that we stand united in our pursuit of public safety across the region. Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell 

 

Alaska Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell