Yukon leaders bring shared priorities to Ottawa for the First Nations–First Ministers’ Meeting

Yukon came to Ottawa with a strong, shared voice, and I was proud to be part of it. The Kaska homeland crosses the Yukon, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, and Liard First Nation has never ceded our title or rights. That is why we called for a made-in-the-North approach, built government to government and grounded in respect. The First Nations of the North are nation builders too. As Canada invests in critical minerals and energy, it must also invest in the health of our lands and waters, including Indigenous-led conservation. That is how we build a prosperous Canada that lasts.

I was pleased to participate in the First Nations-First Ministers' Meeting as a modern treaty and self-governing Indigenous government representative. The Final and Self-Government agreements of Yukon First Nations are important tools for wider nation-building. They provide a stable and predictable environment for investment, economic growth and wellbeing through continued collaboration and full implementation. That the First Ministers have welcomed leaders representing Canada’s self-governing First Nations as a distinct group to the First Ministers' Meeting is important recognition of our governments. My hope is that, moving forward, there will be further opportunity for self-governing Yukon First Nations to shape a prosperous Yukon and Canada.

Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon are working together to advance shared priorities and build a strong, resilient North. As Canada pursues opportunities in critical minerals, energy security and sustainable economic development, we must respect our modern treaties, strengthen existing partnerships and ensure Yukon First Nations have a meaningful role in shaping decisions that affect our lands and communities. By working collaboratively with the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada, we can build on the Yukon’s leadership in modern treaty implementation and create a future that respects our rights, strengthens our communities and delivers lasting benefits for our people.

Together with Yukon First Nations, we highlighted the Yukon’s distinct governance context and shared our experience as a national leader in modern treaty implementation and collaborative work. We emphasized that national initiatives must build on existing partnerships, commitments and mechanisms that are already delivering results. We also advanced shared priorities, including energy security, health system transformation and economic development. We look forward to continuing this work with Yukon First Nations and Canada.