FOR RELEASE     #05-080
March 30, 2005

WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government and the Northern Forum are inviting community and health professionals involved in youth substance abuse fields to participate in the International Youth Substance Abuse Seminar being held in Whitehorse May 9 - 12.

"The seminar's goal of contributing to healthier communities in the North is directly in line with the Yukon government's priority of building healthy communities," the minister responsible for the Youth Directorate, Premier Dennis Fentie said. "Delegates from various regions in the circumpolar North, from experts in the area to youth themselves, will benefit greatly from this invaluable networking opportunity."

The seminar will provide an opportunity for dialogue among substance abuse experts, practitioners, as well as youth about potential solutions, existing knowledge, resources, and present opportunities for networking and establishing linkages for future cooperation.

"The Northern Forum is pleased that the Yukon government's Youth Directorate has agreed to help host and organize this event," Northern Forum Executive Director Priscilla Wohl stated. "Substance abuse is a critical issue facing all northerners and sharing best practices to address it can help improve life for all residents."

The seminar planning committee includes representatives from the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, Health Canada, Government of Nunavut, Division of Behavioral Health (State of Alaska), and Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as the Yukon government.

The Northern Forum is a non-profit organization of nearly 20 regional or subnational governments from ten northern countries. Its purpose is to improve the quality of life of northern people by providing regional leaders with the means to share their knowledge and experience in addressing common challenges.

The Yukon is one of its founding members, and the premier serves on its board of governors.  The seminar is made possible by support from the Yukon government, the Northern Forum, the US Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, and other organizations.

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Further information is available at http://www.northernforum.org/