Today we are celebrating 30 years of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun's signing of their Final Agreement. After decades of work and collaboration amongst Yukon First Nations leadership, four Nations signed Final Agreements with the Government of Canada for the right to self-government and land claims, therefore the rights for self-determination for their people, lands, and waters. On this day in 1993, these Nations included:
The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
Teslin Tlingit Council
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Read the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Final Agreement here. Read the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Self-Governing Agreement here.
Since then, these Nations have grown and fostered cultural and language reignition, economic and community development, land use and protection efforts, and so many more initiatives and policies working towards creating a future that they determine.
As we honour this important day, and important legacy that the work of Yukon First Nations has left for the rest of Indigenous people across Canada, we may take a moment to reflect on this history, to listen to the stories from our Elders, and to carry these lessons forward in our work and in our future.
Learn More
From mappingtheway.ca, read about Elder Betty Lucas's story and knowledge she's passing down (photo credit: mappingtheway.ca)