YukonU welcomes Robin Bradasch as AVP Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships

WHITEHORSE, YT—Chùsi Robin Bradasch joins Yukon University as associate vice president Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships (AVP-IE&P).  

Bradasch belongs to the crow moiety and is a citizen of Kluane First Nation. She is the daughter of Sandra Johnson and the late chief Joe Johnson. 

Bradasch has 15 years' federal government experience with Crown and Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) based in Yukon, five as director of Governance. Prior to this, she was chief negotiator and director of Land Claims for Kluane First Nation (KFN).  

“I am pleased to be joining Yukon University at such an exciting time in its evolution. I look forward to using my knowledge and expertise to assist the University in its long-term strategy development and in building and maintaining strong partnerships with Yukon First Nations and the broader Yukon community,” said Bradasch, who began her new role on January 27. 

"Robin has an exceptional background that includes negotiating and implementing First Nations Land Claims in Yukon. Her professional and lived experience of the governance reality in Yukon will be of tremendous benefit to our students, faculty and leadership team,” said Dr. Maggie Matear, interim president and vice chancellor. “We look forward to her support in meeting our commitments to the provisions in the Umbrella Final Agreement and Indigenization priorities in the YukonU Act.” 

The AVP-IE&P leads Yukon University in the development of partnerships with Yukon First Nations and builds engagement on Indigenization and Reconciliation with staff, students, and YukonU stakeholders. 

The position is responsible for YukonU’s Indigenization and Reconciliation strategy, and provides guidance on Indigenous issues through the First Nations Initiatives unit. It also supports the promotion and development of Indigenization and Reconciliation scholarship and research at Yukon University. 

Bradasch holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University as well as certifications in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. She serves on the board of the Whitehorse Food Bank, is a KFN Däna Trustee and serves on the KFN Citizenship and Constitution Committees.  

Previously, Bradasch has served three terms as a KFN councillor and served on the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) Chiefs Committee on Education and the Assembly of First Nation (AFN) Chiefs Committee on Claims. 

The First Nation Initiatives (FNI) department is a voice within Yukon University dedicated to integrating an understanding and awareness of the culture, traditions, and history of Yukon First Nations across the institution. The department also works with First Nations partners and curriculum developers to shepherd the development of FN-led curriculum. FNI coordinates the President’s Advisory Council on First Nations Initiatives (PACFNI) which provides strategic direction to YukonU.

 (Photo credit: Alistair Maitland)