Yukon

Watch an animated timeline of Modern Treaties in the Yukon featuring negotiators and those who are implementing the Agreements today. This video was made through a partnership with The Gordon Foundation, Mapping the Way and the Government of Yukon.

Continue reading below for a written history, featured Treaty Talk episodes and links to more resources.

The History of Modern Treaties in the Yukon

The first steps towards Yukon land claims took place in the early 1900s. In 1902, Chief Jim Boss (Kashxóot), the hereditary chief of the Ta’an Kwäch’än wrote letters to the Government of Canada seeking recognition and protection for his people and their lands.

The formal modern land claims process started in 1973 when a delegation of Yukon First Nations Chiefs presented Together Today for our Children Tomorrow: A Statement of Grievances and an Approach to Settlement by the Yukon Indian People to then Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
After many years of negotiation and the hard work of many visionary leaders, the historic Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA) was signed in 1993. It provided the template to negotiate individual land claim agreements (called “Final Agreements”) with each Yukon First Nation.

Since 1993, eleven Yukon First Nations have settled their land claims and are self-governing. The federal Indian Act no longer applies to them. These First Nations can make laws and decisions on their Settlement Land and for their citizens, similar to those of a Canadian province or territory.

  • Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (1993)

  • First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (1993)

  • Teslin Tlingit Council (1993)

  • Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (1993)

  • Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation (1997)

  • Selkirk First Nation (1997)

  • Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (1998)

  • Ta’an Kwäch’än Council (2002)

  • Kluane First Nation (2003)

  • Kwanlin Dün First Nation (2005)

  • Carcross/Tagish First Nation (2005)

Featured Episodes

Treaty Talk | Shelby Blackjack

Shelby Blackjack
Citizen of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation, Yukon
Manager, Implementation, Government of Yukon

Shelby talks about her unique position as a Yukon First Nation citizen working for the Yukon Government and shares how youth can get involved in their governments and their treaties.

Treaty Talk | Pamela Muir

Former Public Service Commissioner, Government of Yukon

Hear Pamela discuss how modern treaties establish a platform for the relationship between the treaty parties, as well as the challenges sometimes faced during implementation.

Treaty Talk | Dave Joe

Citizen of Champagne Aishihik First Nations, Yukon
Negotiator, Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement

Hear from Dave about his experience as an Expert at the 2019 Yukon Regional Simulation. Dave also shares how modern treaties impact youth, why they should get involved, and how they can get started.

Treaty Talk | Beverly Sembsmoen

Implementation Manager for Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Yukon

Listen in as Bev tells us why youth should get involved with their treaties, and how they can get started. She also shares her desire for youth to learn from their Elders while they still can.

Treaty Talk | Tony Penikett

Former Yukon Premier
Involved in Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement Negotiations

Take it from Tony, the Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement is important. Also, listen for Tony’s take on why youth need to get involved in their treaties, and he even shares some ways for them to get started.

Treaty Talk | Kim Smarch

Citizen of Teslin Tlingit
Director of Negotiations and Implementation for Teslin Tlingit Council

In this episode, Kim explains why modern treaties are important to her. She also shares how youth can get involved in their own treaties and her advice to youth to use their voices to influence change.

Treaty Talk | Robin Bradasch

Citizen of Kluane First Nation, Yukon
Negotiator, Kluane First Nation Final Agreement, Yukon
Director of Governance, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

Robin explains what implementation is really about and shares how modern treaties impact youth in the Yukon.

Treaty Talk | Ed Schultz

Citizen of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation, Yukon
Senior Analyst, Natural Resources and Environment, Council of Yukon First Nations
(Involved in implementing the Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement)

Listen in as Ed explains the role of youth councils as a platform for youth to participate in decision making and learn leadership skills.

Treaty Talk | Brian MacDonald

Citizen of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Yukon
Assistant Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Relations, Government of Yukon

Listen in as Brian shares about the Government of Yukon’s role in modern treaties, as well as how these agreements recognize rights and include young people in the process.

Treaty Talk | Stephen Mills

Citizen of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Yukon
Deputy Minister, Government of Yukon

Stephen shares how modern treaties are a path forward, discusses the Yukon Government’s role in negotiations, and encourages youth to seek out mentor relationships.

Treaty Talk | Geri-Lee Buyck

Citizen of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, Yukon
2019 Yukon Regional Treaty Simulation Participant

Get the scoop on Treaty Simulations from Geri-Lee and find out why she thinks youth need to participate in treaty work.

Treaty Talk | Sheena Johns

Citizen of Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Yukon
Acting Director of Governance, Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Yukon
Participant, 2020 National Treaty Simulation

Listen in as Sheena explains some practical impacts of modern treaties on youth and how implementation can be interesting and exciting!

Treaty Talk | Kris Statnyk

Citizen of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Yukon
Lawyer and Advisor

Kris encourages young people to learn about their agreements and then use that knowledge to get involved directly and indirectly with implementation of those modern treaties. He also shares the importance of maintaining connection to the land.

More Resources

Visit the Mapping the Way website, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube to learn more about Yukon’s journey to land claims and self-government. Mapping the Way is a public education campaign by the 11 Self-Governing Yukon First Nations, the Council of Yukon First Nations and the governments of Yukon and Canada.

Perspectives Series
Discusses Yukon’s approach to self-government and land claims with the people who were involved

A Long Journey Home Part 1: Strangers in Our Own Land | Part 2: Give Our Grandchildren Back | Part 3: From Yesterday to Tomorrow | Part 4: Settlement and Governance
Video series on the history of Yukon land claims

Voices of Vision
Podcast series

Our Journey: Yukon First Nations Land Claims and Self-Government
Short video on the history of Yukon land claims

Yukon Land Claims Infographic