This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and the Government of Yukon have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to initiate a regional land use planning process in the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. This MOU marks the beginning of a process grounded in government-to-government collaboration to develop a land use plan that reflects the rights, responsibilities and stewardship of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
This agreement affirms the two governments’ shared obligation to honour Chapter 11 of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun Final Agreement, where two of several objectives for regional land use planning are to ensure sustainable development and manage the lands, waters and resources within the planning area in First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Traditional Territory.
This MOU builds upon work already begun under the Tsé Tagé (Beaver River) land use planning process. The Tsé Tagé planning process was initiated pursuant to the 2018 Intergovernmental Agreement, which remains in effect.
Both governments have agreed to initiate a regional land use planning process, pursuant to the terms, spirit and intent of the Final Agreement and to work together collaboratively on all phases of this planning process.
The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun looks forward to a land use planning process that is rooted in the knowledge, laws and values of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun in the spirit of reciprocity and sustainability for all who inhabit the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Traditional Territory now and forever. This MOU is not simply a procedural step – it is a reaffirmation of our role as stewards of our lands and waters and of our place as a self-governing First Nation.
We welcome the Yukon government’s commitment to a shared and equitable process and we look forward to working with Yukon to adopt appropriate interim protections to ensure our planning process is meaningful and effective.
The Government of Yukon is committed to working alongside the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun to develop a regional land use plan in their Traditional Territory. This Memorandum of Understanding begins the process of establishing a plan that considers the diverse land uses in this region. We are dedicated to advancing land planning to maintain a healthy environment and this region’s rich cultural legacy while supporting a sustainable economy, ensuring Yukon First Nations and public priorities are appropriately reflected to best serve the area and all Yukoners.
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant step forward to advance regional land use planning on the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. Through the regional land use planning process, we are committed to working together with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun to provide clarity and certainty about the use of land and resources in this area, while protecting and conserving nature, biodiversity and the history, culture and traditions of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
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The proposed planning region covers 35,000 square kilometres – approximately seven per cent of the Yukon. The region’s distinctive landscape is home to deep-rooted cultural traditions and a vibrant ecosystem featuring extensive wetlands, moose, caribou and sheep habitat, rare and endemic species and species at risk and important watersheds, including the Stewart River and the Tsé Tagé (Beaver River). Activities in this region include mineral exploration and development, forestry, agriculture, tourism and other economic interests.
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The planning region boundaries are wholly within the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. The northern boundary meets the southern portion of the Peel Watershed Planning Region, the western boundary is the Dawson Planning Region, the eastern boundary is the Yukon-Northwest Territories border and the southern boundary abuts or adjacent to overlapping Traditional Territories of the Northern Tutchone and Kaska First Nations.
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The parties will work with each other and the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Land Use Planning Commission through a Senior Liaison Committee and a Technical Working Group to achieve the shared objectives.
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The 2018 Intergovernmental Agreement between the Government of Yukon and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun for the Tsé Tagé (Beaver River) land use planning process remains in effect until the plan is approved or earlier if the parties agree in writing. This agreement includes the prohibition of entry order for mineral staking and mining along the proposed ATAC mining road in the Beaver River watershed. The ATAC claims are now owned by Hecla Mining Company.
- This Memorandum of Understanding marks the official beginning of the fourth regional land use plan under Chapter 11 of the Umbrella Final Agreement.
- Completed regional land use plans include the North Yukon and Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plans. The Dawson Regional Land Use Plan is at the Final Recommended Plan stage.
- Land use in the Yukon North Slope is guided by the Yukon North Slope Wildlife Conservation and Management Plan. The area is within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and falls under the Western Arctic (Inuvialuit) Settlement Act.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Patti Flather
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-3123
[email protected]
Mara De La Rosa
Communications, Environment
867-456-5565
[email protected]
Tess McLeod
Project Support, First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
[email protected]