Apply for a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence

Anyone entering the Yukon for research purposes must obtain a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence (S&E).

Before you apply

Allow for processing time

We recommend that you apply 3 months before research is scheduled to begin. This is in case your project needs additional licensing or permitting.

Research on Settlement Land and Traditional Territories

Review the area your research takes place on the GeoYukon website map. Use the layers function to identify the Traditional Territories (outlined in different colours) and Settlement Land (shaded and labeled areas) through the Yukon. Include a pdf of the GeoYukon map of your research area in your application (choose print, then save as a pdf).

Traditional Territories cover most of the Yukon. You must identify which territories your research takes place on and contact the associated First Nation(s). You must include documentation of this communication in your application.

You need to get permission to work in an area on Yukon First Nation Settlement Land or in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. You need written confirmation of consultation and consent before moving forward with a Scientists and Explorers application.

Visit the GeoYukon digital map to identify your research area and print a map.

Read about access, rights and obligations on Settlement Land. These lands are covered under the:

• Yukon First Nation Final Agreements;

• Inuvialuit Final Agreement; and

• the (Tetlit) Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement.

Archaeological research

If you are doing archaeological research, you will need an Archaeological Sites Regulation Permit, not a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence.

Apply

1. Be aware of the licence requirements for the geographical area in which you'll be working. These will vary depending on your project. 
2. Identify which Traditional Territory/Settlement land your research takes place on with the GeoYukon map. Include a printed map in your application.
3. Contact the First Nation in whose traditional territory you'll be working. For research on the Yukon North Slope, contact the Inuvialuit. All areas of Yukon are in the traditional territories of Yukon and transboundary First Nations, or the in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
   • Provide confirmation of who you contacted at which First Nation and when.
   • Include any letters of approval or support in your application.
   • For projects within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, you must contact (as appropriate):
     • the Environmental Impact Screening Committee (EISC), to review your proposed project;
     • the Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee (AHTC);
     • the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope) (WMAC[NS]);
     • the Inuvialuit Game Council (IGC); and
     • the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC).
        
4. Complete the application form and attach any related documents.
    
5. Submit your application. Email is preferred.
   Email: [email protected]
   Mail:
   Government of Yukon
   Manager, Museums and Heritage (L-1)
   Box 2703
   Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
    

We will review your application and refer it for comment to appropriate:

• territorial and federal agencies;
• committees, councils and/or corporations; and
• Yukon First Nation governments.