This project will co-develop and deliver a culturally grounded, genomics-focused One Health curriculum for First Nations youth and Northern Land Guardians, integrating Indigenous knowledge systems with modern genomic science. The program will equip Indigenous participants with advanced technical and analytical skills in genomics, including environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, wastewater-based monitoring (WBM), and genomic analysis of zoonotic pathogens. At every stage, Indigenous values, ethics, and governance will be embedded into the work. This initiative, led by the One Yukon Coalition (OYC), builds upon the success of the wastewater-based monitoring program implemented during the pandemic, and the early successes of the ChùNet program initiated in 2025. These programs have informed the broader One Health initiative, which now aims to build capacity in DNA monitoring of all living organisms in the North. It will develop a micro-credentialed curriculum designed for scalability to other Northern, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada and aligned with the First Nations principles of OCAP® – Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession – to ensure Indigenous data sovereignty. Over three years, the project will:

• Train at least 40 Indigenous participants through hands-on fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation.
• Embed Indigenous governance in all decision-making and curriculum oversight, ensuring self-determination and ethical data sovereignty.
• Integrate cross-disciplinary skills – from genomics sampling and results interpretation to culturally relevant storytelling and knowledge translation.
• Develop a reusable curriculum package for national and international adaptation, including digital modules, infographics, and videos.

The program will establish a sustainable pathway for Indigenous youth and Land Guardians to gain foundational training in genomics and progress toward careers as practitioners, researchers, and leaders, strengthening community resilience to health, environmental, and climate threats.