Yukon First Nation calls for Whitehorse shelter operator to be fired in wake of citizen's death

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun is calling for the Yukon government to get rid of the non-profit organization running the Whitehorse emergency shelter in the wake of a citizen's death — a demand echoed by the deceased's family. 

Carmen Melancon, 21, died of a suspected overdose in a long-term housing unit at the shelter on Dec. 30, 2024, the latest in a string of deaths at 405 Alexander St. in recent years.

"These repeated Indigenous deaths are unacceptable, and they need to stop now," the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND) said in a recent statement.

"FNNND is calling on Yukon Government to fire its shelter operator, Connective Support Society, without further delay. The primary emergency shelter in Yukon's largest urban centre requires management that respects the value of Indigenous lives… Connective is out of chances."

Connective, in partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations, took over the emergency shelter and housing units above it in October 2022. The building was previously run by the Yukon government, who in turn took it over from the Salvation Army in 2019.

A number of people have died there since, with a coroner's inquest held last year on the deaths of four First Nations women within the span of 15 months. The jury issued eight recommendations, including that independent review to be held on every death at the shelter. 

FNNND called for a review on Melancon's death to begin immediately. 

"It is unacceptable that individuals seeking refuge, support, and help, are instead facing life-threatening conditions," the statement added. "[Yukon Government] must take immediate, robust action to provide answers and accountability for the deaths that have occurred already, and to ensure no other lives are lost."

FNNND Chief Dawna Hope was not available for comment. However, two of Melancon's relatives said they were proud of their First Nation for speaking up. 

Melancon's cousin, Karen Nicloux, said she cried when she first read the statement. 

"I felt the overwhelming sense of relief that we're finally being heard," she said. 

"I'm just really encouraging all the First Nations leaders to support this because too many of our people have died and we are not disposable."

Melancon's aunt and godmother, Alla Blysak, also supported her First Nation's call. 

"I just don't see Connective staff and the shelter as a safe place," she said.