Keeping with the Yukon government’s commitment to working in partnership with Yukon First Nations and being there for Yukoners in times of crisis, the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations have renewed three-year agreements for managing wildfire in the territory. These agreements outline hiring procedures for initial attack firefighters across the Yukon.
One of the agreements encompasses a new Initial Attack Crew Administration arrangement between the Government of Yukon and the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Starting this year, Carcross/Tagish First Nation Citizens hired under this model can become seasonal Yukon government employees. This is in addition to 12 Initial Attack Crew Services agreements with other Yukon First Nations.
Several models for wildfire response are in place across the Yukon depending on the preference of First Nations governments for direct hiring of wildland firefighters or delegating administration to others.
While some First Nations hire crew members directly through development corporations, others delegate contracts to Yukon First Nations Wildfire. These contracted employees are trained and integrated on a yearly basis into the territorial Wildland Fire Management organization.
Yukon First Nations have a long history of working with local fire management agencies that predates devolution. Through government-to-government agreements, we are supporting economic opportunities for First Nations governments in wildfire management while also contributing to the Yukon's proactive efforts to manage wildfires.
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
Before devolution, many Yukon First Nations governments hired and maintained separate wildland fire crews.
The agreement between Carcross/Tagish First Nation and the Yukon government exists in recognition of the wildland firefighting components of Chapter 17 of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Final Agreement.
As part of the agreement, both parties commit to developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan that would highlight priority risk reduction locations for future FireSmart funding.
In addition to the agreement with Carcross/Tagish First Nation, the Government of Yukon signed 12 Initial Attack Crew Services Agreements with First Nations.
Eight are administered by Yukon First Nations Wildfire Limited Partnership:
- Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation
- White River First Nation
- Ta’an Kwach’an Council
- Liard First Nation
- Kluane First Nation
- Champagne Aishihik First Nation
- Nacho Nyak Dun First Nation
- Ross River Dena Council
Four are administered by Development Corporations or First Nations directly:
- Selkirk First Nation
- Vuntut First Nation
- Teslin Tlingit First Nation
- Kwanlin Dün First Nation
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Mike Fancie
Community Engagement Officer
867-393-7415
yukonfireinfo@yukon.ca