Celebrating the collaborative approach to the Aishihik Hydro Facility operations

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, the Government of Yukon, and Yukon Energy have reaffirmed our partnership to advance the implementation of the Äshèyi Agreements. These agreements uphold our shared responsibility to protect Äshèyi and ensure that all decisions respect its cultural, ecological, and spiritual significance.

We call on our partners to continue this work with us through meaningful action. This gathering strengthened our relationships and our collective commitment to make decisions that honour the land, the water, and the people of this place. The Parties have reaffirmed their responsibilities and demonstrated that the Agreements are living documents guiding real and ongoing change.

Indigenous led energy solutions and partnerships are essential to Yukon’s energy future, while balancing Champagne and Aishihik First Nations citizens’ concerns to “let Äshèyi rest.” We are confident that, by working together, we can honour this concern while meeting the energy needs of the Yukon.

We all have meaningful and interconnected roles to play in the stewardship of Äshèyi. The agreements support responsible stewardship, the continued cultural use of the area as well as participation in energy planning and development in the Yukon.

The Government of Yukon’s priority is ensuring a reliable energy grid that meets our energy needs. We see Indigenous-led energy solutions and partnerships as a key part of the future of energy in the Yukon. We are committed to ensuring our collaborative relationships on the Aishihik Hydro Facility remain strong and respectful. 

The Aishihik Hydro Facility is a critical source of renewable winter electricity for Yukon, and working with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Government of Yukon to improve its long-term operation is a priority for Yukon Energy. We are committed to reducing and mitigating the facility's impacts on the land, water, people, fish and wildlife.

We recognize the vital role of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations in the stewardship of their Traditional Territory. Spending time on the land in Äshèyi and seeing firsthand how the facility has affected the Aishihik area reinforces the importance of listening, learning and working together to reduce those impacts while ensuring the facility continues to provide reliable renewable power for Yukoners.

Our agreements provide a strong foundation for continued collaboration as we work toward shared goals. We look forward to building on this partnership through upcoming regulatory processes, supporting the reliable operation of the facility while advancing improved environmental outcomes and lasting benefits for future generations.