Learn about fish and wildlife stewardship in the Ross River Area

The Collaborative Stewardship Authority is how Ross River Dena Council and the Government of Yukon work together on the stewardship of fish and wildlife in the Ross River Area. 

The Collaborative Stewardship Authority is responsible for: 

• discussing matters related to fish and wildlife and their habitats located within the Ross River Area; and
• making recommendations to the Government of Yukon and Ross River Dena Council. 

Representatives 

The Collaborative Stewardship Authority is made up of 4 representatives: 

• 2 from Ross River Dena Council including the Director of Lands and Resources; and 
• 2 from the Government of Yukon including the Director of Fish and Wildlife. 

How it works 

The Collaborative Stewardship Authority discusses and can make recommendations on: 

• routine programs, fieldwork and research; 
• laws, policies and procedures, guidelines, practices and plans; and 
• integrating the Yukon’s legislative, policy and program framework for fish and wildlife and habitat management with Tū Łī́dlini (Ross River) Dena laws, customs and traditions including stewardship practices. 

As part of its work, the Collaborative Stewardship Authority may: 

• work with other governments and organizations such as the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board and with Yukon First Nations governments whose Traditional Territories overlap with the Ross River Area; and 
• engage with stakeholders and the public in the Ross River Area to gather information. 

Purpose 

In October 2026, Ross River Dena Council and the Government of Yukon signed an Agreement that: 

• acknowledges that Ross River Dena Council has a role and voice in the stewardship of fish and wildlife and their habitats located in the Ross River Area;
• allows both governments to work together on matters related to fish and wildlife and their habitats in the Ross River Area; and 
• establishes the Collaborative Stewardship Authority. 

The Collaborative Stewardship Authority may make recommendations to either government. 

Share information about the Ross River Area 

The Ross River Area supports many land uses, including: 

• cultural activities; 
• hunting; 
• fishing; 
• trapping; 
• outfitting; 
• tourism; 
• outdoor recreation; 
• mining exploration; and 
• mining development. 

If you’re a stakeholder in the Ross River Area, you can contact the Government of Yukon’s Fish and Wildlife branch to share information on fish, wildlife and their habitat.