Bachelor of Northern Social Work (BNSW) at Yukon U
Yukon University has offered a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree in partnership with the University of Regina for over 30 years. This partnership, initiated as Yukon College, has supported over 225 students to graduate with a locally informed BSW degree.
In 2020, Yukon College transitioned to a Yukon University. Recently the 2023-2028 YU Academic Plan identified the UR/YU BSW as a priority for ‘home-grown’ degree development. To that end we are now moving towards the development of its own BNSW – Bachelor of Northern Social Work.
While the University of Regina has been an excellent and supportive partner, the time has come to develop a “made-in-the-Yukon” BSW degree that is rooted in the north and grounded in the unique context of social work practice in the Yukon and working with Yukon First Nations.
As part of this degree development process, we are seeking input from various groups across the Yukon, including Yukon First Nations, students and alumni, non-government organizations, social workers, Yukon government, and employers.
The faculty members and the development of the new degree is fundamentally influenced by 1973’s Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, YU’s Breaking the Dawn Reconciliation Framework, and the 2023-2028 YU Academic Plan. Most importantly this process is accountable to the inalienable right to self-determination of all 14 Yukon First Nations.
Our degree development process ultimately requires approval from the Senate and Board of Governors of Yukon University, as well external accreditation from the Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC) and the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE). The degree development from start to finish will be a 3-to-4-year process.
BNSW Development Progress to Date
November 2025
President’s Advisory Council on First Nation’s Initiatives (PACFNI)
BNSW faculty engaged with PACFNI to discuss the development of the degree and gather feedback about elements that will form the foundation of the program
February 2026
Yukon University Degree Development Elder’s Councils
BNSW faculty and members of the YU senior administration met twice with a select group of Yukon First Nation Elders to discuss the ethics, values, and worldviews that will underpin all aspects of the new degree. Further Elder’s Counsels will be held in Summer and Fall of 2026.
April – August 2026
Yukon Rural Community Visits and First Nation Engagement Sessions
BNSW faculty have embarked on visits to all Yukon rural communities and Whitehorse-based Yukon First Nations to meet with interested parties including Citizens, Staff, and First Nation leadership. Visits with Whitehorse-based First Nations are also planned. So far, the team have met with Kluane First Nation, Carcross/Tagish First Nation, and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in with more visits in the works. For more information about our community engagement sessions click here LINK
Surveys and Public Engagements
The team is currently conducting surveys and focus groups with stakeholders including students, alumni, employers, practicum supervisors, NGO’s, and relevant Territorial, Municipal, First Nation and Federal government departments. For more information about our public engagement sessions click here LINK
Yukon University 