Apply for a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence

Anyone entering the Yukon for research purposes must obtain a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence.

COVID-19 update for the Scientists and Explorers licensing program

While we're continuing to accept applications, there will be delays in the review and comments process. There is limited capacity at reviewing agencies and Yukon First Nations as a result of COVID-19 impacts.

We will not be issuing licenses until the Yukon Chief Medical Officer of Health advises that incoming travel can resume as normal. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss please email scientists.explorers@gov.yk.ca.

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. Read our guidebook for more details.

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. For help, read the guidebook.
    
2. 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).
        
3. Complete the application form and attach any related documents.
    
4. Submit your application. Email is preferred.
   Email: scientists.explorers@gov.yk.ca
   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.

Archaeological research

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

By law, you may need to have additional licences or permits to do fieldwork in certain areas of Yukon. This includes statutes that enact Land Claims agreements.

Find specific requirements in our guidebook for the following areas. You may need additional permits or have special requirements.

• You need a Land Use Permit.
   
• You will be working in:
  • a conservation area;
  • a territorial or national park;
  • a Habitat Protection or Special Management area.
     
• Your research involves the export or transport of wildlife or wildlife products.
   
• Your research involves work on Settlement Land. To work in an area on Yukon First Nation Settlement Land or in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, you must obtain permission. 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.

Maps

• View a map of Traditional Territories and Settlement Areas.
• Use the Yukon Lands Viewer to find land-use maps.
• Find additional maps of Yukon.

Archaeological research

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

If your application is successful, we ask that you submit 2 reports.

1. An interim report, reflecting the status of the project and work completed. This report is recommended. It's due 2 months after you finish fieldwork.
    
2. A final report when the project is completed. This report should detail findings and highlight the significance of the research. It's mandatory, and is due within 1 calendar year of the completion or termination of the project.

The Arctic Institute of North America maintains a listing of all permitted research projects in Yukon. This list is in the Arctic Science and Technology Information System (ASTIS) database.

When using the database, search for Geographic Code "G0811 – Yukon".

Connect to the Arctic Science and Technology Information System.