Joint news release with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
The Government of Yukon and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations have signed a renewed forest management implementation agreement. The agreement outlines the shared forest management priorities between the two governments for the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Traditional Territory.
The agreement will support the completion of the timber supply analysis and determination of a new annual allowable cut for the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Traditional Territory. Other priorities in the agreement include reducing the fire risk around communities, the development and implementation of a monitoring plan, the development of a Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Forest Policy, promoting local socioeconomic benefits from forest resource use and continued wood supply development.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Chief Steve Smith signed the renewed agreement in Whitehorse on April 26, 2018.
This is a forward-looking agreement focused on encouraging social and economic development that supports the Champagne and Aishihik communities while respecting the environment. We value the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations to ensure the forest resources in their Traditional Territory are managed sustainably.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai
This renewed agreement confirms our interests in working together towards managing our forests sustainably, taking care of our land for our future generations, and improving forest-based economic opportunities for our people.
Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Dän nätthe äda Kaaxnox (Chief Steve Smith)
The Government of Yukon and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations first signed a forest management implementation agreement in 2004 and a renewal in 2012.
Under the 2012 renewal agreement, several forest-related projects have been completed in the Traditional Territory, including:
- Acquiring digital aerial photography;
- Completing a comprehensive forest inventory;
- Establishing a committee to complete a timber supply analysis;
- Completing a fuel abatement project south of Haines Junction and numerous FireSmart projects near several communities;
- Completing a silviculture (tree planting) project that included a unique training opportunity for Champagne and Aishihik citizens; and
- Significant progress made on the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations’ Forest Resource legislation and policies.
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca
Jesse Devost
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-5307
jesse.devost@gov.yk.ca
Amy McKinnon, Communications Manager
Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
867-332-1973
almckinnon@cafn.ca