Chasàn Chùa (McIntyre Creek) officially designated as a territorial park

With this designation, we are taking a meaningful step to protect a vital and much-loved part of our territory. Chasàn Chùa is home to trails, wildlife and wetlands but also to stories, knowledge and traditions that have shaped this land for generations. This new park reflects the values of Yukoners and the long-standing care and leadership of Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. I want to thank them, as well as the City of Whitehorse, Parks Canada and community members who made their voices heard. This park will remain a place of connection, reflection and respect for all.

Chasàn Chùa – Copper Creek (McIntyre Creek) has been an important place for Kwanlin people. It represents connection to our culture and heritage from oral stories and archaeological work done in the area shows that our people have been here for thousands of years. It is a place where our ancestors gathered to harvest returning chinook salmon, hunted animals that travelled between the mountain ranges and made tools from copper nuggets found along the creek bed. Designating the area Chasàn Chùa as a territorial park will ensure that our children and grandchildren are connected to the land, water, fish and wildlife, healing power of nature and ancestors of Kwanlin Dün and Ta’an Kwach’an Council for generations to come. Shä̀w níthän, GunałchÎsh, thank you to Yukon government, City of Whitehorse and Canada for the funding and resources to take care of this special place and to Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Yukon and Friends of McIntyre Creek for your dedicated advocacy.

Today’s Chasàn Chùa territorial park designation is an important commitment by our governments to ensure we prioritize the continued stewardship and cultural protections of these important areas. Ta’an Kwäch’än and Kwanlin’ Dun people have held a deeply rooted connection to Chasàn Chùa since our ancestors first walked these lands. We want to thank all involved, especially the volunteers who got us to where we are today. To us, this designation is just the beginning of the work as we continue to develop sustainable practices that will respect the land, the waters and the heritage sites within the park for generations to come.

The Government of Yukon recognizes and acknowledges the importance of this special area to Yukoners and is committed to protecting it for future generations. Thank you to Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, the City of Whitehorse, Parks Canada and all those who have requested protection for Chasàn Chùa over the years, including the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Yukon, Friends of McIntyre Creek and others. Together we are strengthening protection of Chasàn Chùa’s biodiversity, ensuring valuable recreation opportunities for Yukoners and celebrating the history, culture and traditions of the Kwanlin Dün and Ta’an Kwäch’än people.

The City of Whitehorse is very pleased to see Chasàn Chùa designated as a territorial park. This area has significant importance for Whitehorse residents and has long been identified as a special park in the City’s Official Community Plans. This designation will help to ensure Chasàn Chùa remains a protected space in the heart of Whitehorse that supports the health and wellbeing of our residents. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Government of Yukon on developing a collaborative management plan for Chasàn Chùa that reflects our shared goals for the area and the value it brings to our community.