The Yukon Geological Survey (YGS) includes a staff of approximately 20 geoscientists that conduct a wide variety of studies, including traditional bedrock and surficial mapping, community hazards mapping (e.g., monitoring landslides and thawing permafrost), mineral assessments, metallogeny and geothermal research. The role of geoscientists is to provide the knowledge required to meet society’s demand for natural resources, environmental sustainability, and improved resiliency against geohazards (American Geosciences Institute, 2012).
The mandate of YGS is to provide objective, geoscience-related information to government, Yukon First Nations, and the public. Our research helps inform geoscience-related policy and investment decisions in Yukon, as well as support the land-use planning process. As a public government organization, we must improve geoscience literacy through effective communication so that all citizens of the Yukon understand how Earth’s systems (lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere) influence their everyday lives. Educating Yukoners will help them to make informed judgments that affect our territory and encourage public participation in policy making.
Yukon Geological Survey recognizes the importance of having geoscientists on staff who are dedicated to outreach and education. As of September 2023, YGS has two full-time, permanent Outreach Geologist positions. This paper is a summary of YGS’ outreach and education activities over the last year
