In remote Old Crow, Yukon, Vuntut Gwitchin citizens call for affordable living, better health care, and quality education ahead of the election.
Affordability tops list in remote Old Crow
With the Yukon territorial election approaching on November 3, 2025, residents of Old Crow—the northernmost community in the territory—say affordability is their biggest concern. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation community relies solely on air transport for supplies, making groceries and household goods extremely expensive.
Resident Stanley Grafton Njootli said the cost of living “keeps going up,” noting he paid $6 for a single can of soda water, the same cost as an entire case in Whitehorse. Locals say high prices have become unsustainable, leaving many struggling to afford even basic needs.
Healthcare access raises alarms
Residents also identified healthcare and the opioid crisis as urgent priorities. With the nearest hospital hundreds of kilometres away, emergency medical transport can take hours.
Community member Paul Josie said addiction, mental health, and homelessness are taking a visible toll. “We have a lot of people that are out there struggling,” he said, calling for more territorial support and representation for northern First Nations in policy decisions.
Education and recreation under pressure
Beyond healthcare and affordability, education and youth opportunities were also raised as key issues. Old Crow has only one school, and residents worry about limited educational options and resources.
Earlier this year, the town’s aging skating rink was demolished, leaving a vacant space where no replacement or recreation facility has been announced. Locals say such closures erode community spirit and limit safe, healthy outlets for young people.
Three Vuntut Gwitchin women on the ballot
This election is historic for the riding: all three candidates are Vuntut Gwitchin women.
- Sandra Charlie (Yukon Party) — Born and raised in Old Crow, she says she entered politics out of love for her community and a belief in honest, transparent leadership. She plans to consult local nurses and teachers, emphasizing the need for quality education and accessible healthcare.
- Debra-Leigh Reti (Liberal Party) — A former Vuntut Gwitchin councillor, Reti is focused on improving infrastructure, including roads, water, and sewer systems. “We have a dump and lagoon beside the river,” she said. “These need urgent upgrades.”
- Annie Blake (NDP, incumbent) — Seeking a second term, Blake says her focus remains on housing, mental health, and cost of living. “People are concerned about affordability and addiction challenges,” she said.
All three candidates expressed pride in representing their people. “Our women are built tough in Old Crow,” Blake said. “Vuntut Gwitchin has three strong women willing to lead.”
Community pride meets political urgency
The Vuntut Gwitchin riding, small in population but vast in geography, represents both the challenges and resilience of life in northern Yukon. Its citizens face limited infrastructure, isolation, and high costs—but also strong community bonds and cultural pride.
For many, this election isn’t only about party platforms; it’s about ensuring the territorial government recognizes rural realities. As the November 3 vote approaches, Old Crow’s residents hope their calls for affordability, healthcare, and opportunity will echo far beyond their remote airstrip.
