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

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