What We Heard: Community Voices Guiding Our Journey

Over the last year, and off to a running start in 2026, we’ve been visiting communities to share information about the Skak ha ba bay / Nezkeh ba (For our Children) project and hear from families about what children need to live happy, healthy, and full lives.

These conversations are part of ongoing work, often referred to as ‘jurisdiction’, toward Nation-led child and family services. Whether you chatted with our team at a health fair or attended a community session, your voice is shaping the future of programs and services under a Yinka Dene child and family services law.

Over 2,000 stories and ideas have been shared with us so far. These responses reflect a shared vision for keeping Yinka Dene children safe, connected to their culture, and with their families where they belong.

‘Jurisdiction’ is not new; Yinka Dene have always had the right and responsibility to care for their children in their own way. The Skak ha ba bay / Nezkeh ba (For our Children) project is the reawakening of laws that saw children raised on their land, in their communities, and surrounded by their clans. This is a journey of nation rebuilding and the restoration of traditional governance rooted in every Yinka Dene child’s right to live up to their fullest potential.

Interested in reading what has been shared so far? A new section has been added to the Teachings page to highlight what we’ve been hearing from community. These digital reports provide a glimpse into the shared dreams of community members guiding the journey toward Nation-led child and family services.

This is an ongoing conversation. More in-community sessions and virtual meetings are being planned for the spring and summer of 2026. Stay tuned!

Check out the What We Heard reports over on the Teachings page!