Our Stories

The Tatshenshini River is designated as a Canadian Heritage River in the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations' Final Agreement.

The Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA) and Final Agreements called for the creation of over 20 boards, committees and councils.

Land ownership and management was a major reason that the Yukon Final and Self-Government Agreements were negotiated. These agreements give direction on who owns the land and how decisions about land are made.

For more than 40 years, Judy has promoted and advanced Indigenous rights and governance in the Yukon. Judy was part of the 1973 delegation to Ottawa that initiated the Yukon land claims negotiation process. As Chair of the Council of Yukon First Nations (1989-1995), she was instrumental in self-governance and land claims negotiation with the Government of Canada.

Sarah Johnston Smith works as an Organizational Development Consultant with the Yukon government, assisting groups to work more effectively together.

With implementing their Final and Self-Government Agreements, Yukon First Nation governments are also working towards becoming self-sustaining. With this in mind, many First Nations have created arms-length First Nation development corporations.

Heritage and culture are important to all Yukoners, and the Yukon First Nation Final Agreements affirm their significance to our governments and communities. The Yukon Heritage Resources Board was created by Chapter 13 of the Final Agreements to help facilitate heritage management and stewardship in the Yukon.

Ron Chambers has served five terms on the Yukon Heritage Resources Board, bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge, and commitment to his role as a Board member.

The Kwanlin Dün First Nation Final Agreement provided for the development of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre on the Whitehorse waterfront. This represents Kwanlin Dün’s return to the Yukon River, the First Nation’s traditional home.