Minister of Energy Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“The Government of Yukon is aware that the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun has issued a notice to the mining and mineral exploration industry opposing any new claims staked within their Traditional Territory during the land use planning process.
“We always recommend that proponents engage with potentially affected Indigenous governments and groups as early as possible in any project development process to identify and address concerns.
“The First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun Final Agreement confirms the Government of Yukon’s legislative and management authority over mineral activities on Non-Settlement Lands and the current laws governing mineral development continue to apply. The Yukon government will continue to meet the honour of the Crown in consultation on assessment and regulatory decisions and through Chapter 11 land use planning.
“The Government of Yukon has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun to initiate a regional land use planning process in their Traditional Territory.
“In the MOU, the Yukon government and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun note that we have not reached consensus on interim staking withdrawals under the Placer and Quartz Mining Acts during the land planning process until the plan is approved. As per this agreement, we are committed to continue engaging with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun on this issue. Once the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Land Planning Commission is established, we will work with the commission as well.
“We are committed to working alongside the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun to develop a regional land use plan that considers the diverse land uses in this region. In our view, this includes maintaining a healthy environment and vibrant cultural legacy while supporting a sustainable economy, ensuring Yukon First Nations and public priorities are appropriately reflected.
“We look forward to the next steps in the regional land use planning process, pursuant to the terms, spirit and intent of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun Final Agreement and to work together collaboratively on all phases of this planning process.”
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The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and the Government of Yukon signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Regional Land Use Plan in May 2025.
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The proposed planning region covers 35,000 square kilometres – approximately seven per cent of the Yukon. Activities in this region include harvesting, cultural and wellness pursuits, recreation, mineral exploration and development, forestry, agriculture, tourism and other economic interests.
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The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Regional Land Use Plan incorporates the Tsé Tagé (Beaver River) watershed.
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In June 2025, the Government of Yukon extended the current prohibition of entry order for mineral staking in the Tsé Tagé (Beaver River) watershed until July 1, 2026.
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The extension of the current prohibition of entry order upholds the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding as well as the 2018 Intergovernmental Agreement between the Government of Yukon and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun while the land use planning process continues.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]