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First Nation people have lived in Yukon for thousands of years. This is the story of their journey towards the land claims and self-government agreements many have today.
Approximately 23% of Yukon’s population is Aboriginal. Most of that 23% belong to one of the 14 First Nations that call Yukon...
Story
Tr'ondëk Hwëch’in signed their Final and Self-Government Agreements on July 16, 1998. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing the Tr'ondëk Hwëch’in developed 20 fun facts about the negotiation and signing of their agreements. Read all the facts to learn more about Tr'ondëk Hwëch’in’s journey...
Story
Chapter 10 of the Yukon Final Agreements is all about Special Management Areas – that means parks, bird sanctuaries, heritage sites, watershed protection areas, or habitat protection areas.
The goal of Chapter 10 is to recognize and maintain important features of the Yukon's natural and cultural...
Story
There are so many people who are working hard to bring the vision of the Final and Self-Government Agreements to life. We held a contest to recognise the hard work of these individuals.
Here are the stories of the people who were nominated as Agreements Trailblazers in 2018.
Tosh Southwick and the...
Story
Stories are powerful. In the Northern Tutchone (Hude Hudӓn) way, stories are teachings, traditional laws, and represent the Northern Tutchone way of life. These traditional laws and customs are referred to as ‘Dooli.’
The traditional Dooli laws teach Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation (LSCFN)...
Video
On February 14, 1973, the Yukon Native Brotherhood, led by Elijah Smith, along with a delegation of Yukon First Nation leaders, 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...
Story
Meet Ta’an Kwäch’än Council’s Implementation Officer, Barb Joe
Not only is she a full-time Implementation Officer, but she also plays a number of other roles on boards and councils created by First Nations or through the Final and Self-Government Agreements. She is an administrator for the Kwanlin Dün...
Story
The Carcross/Tagish First Nation infuses its values into everything it takes part in.
Self-determination shines through in the brightly painted Carcross Commons retail village that brings visitors to the community. Culture is lived and shared in the Carving Shed that is part of the Commons....
Story
For Robin Bradasch, a citizen of the Kluane First Nation, the word reconciliation carries a lot of meaning and has for a long time.
In Yukon, 11 Yukon First Nations have signed land claim and self-government agreements with the governments of Yukon and Canada.
These agreements are negotiated...
Story
The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) has a long and proud history of providing leadership and advocacy on common Yukon First Nation priorities and in working with the governments of Yukon and Canada.
CYFN works with and supports Yukon First Nations so they can have a greater say about what...
Podcast
Adeline Webber has worked tirelessly toward the recognition and acknowledgement of Aboriginal women's rights. Adeline, a Teslin Tlingit Council citizen whose Tlingit name is Kh'ayàdê, spent a considerable portion of her career working in the federal public service, including serving as the Yukon...
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Dave Joe is a citizen of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. He is a distinguished lawyer who was called to the bar in 1977 in the Yukon and in 1999 in British Columbia. Dave has worked as chief negotiator for the Council of Yukon First Nations and a number of Canadian First Nations. He still acts...
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Betty Lucas is a fierce, independent Na-Cho Nyak Dun Elder armed with generations of knowledge passed down to her.
In her home in Mayo, Elder Betty, 81, sits at her kitchen table, the smell of rabbit stew and freshly brewed tea wafting through the air.
The cold weather doesn’t stop her from packing up...
Video
Negotiating the Yukon First Nation land claim and self-government agreements took a long time, and implementing them is an ongoing process.
Marilyn Jensen, M.A., Yukon College Indigenous Governance Instructor, & Founder of the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers
There were many phases, there was lots of...
Video
This video series was developed by Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations in 1997. It will guide you on a four-part journey though the history of Yukon land claims.
Story
Facing your community and your Elders is the hardest thing a person can do when they have done wrong.
Providing a way to be accountable to your community, your clan and your people is one part of the work that the Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC) Justice Council does. The Teslin Tlingit model of justice...
Story
When the first graduates of the First Nations Governance and Public Administration program walked across the stage at Yukon College to receive their certificates in 2013, Tosh Southwick, Director of First Nations Initiatives and Academic and Skill Development at Yukon College, says she felt proud.
The...
Podcast
Joe Linklater is a seasoned political leader and program manager with considerable experience in building and implementing public policy and First Nation self-governance. He held the position of Chief of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation from 1998 to 2010. Joe has contributed to successful...
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Mapping the Way has a number of resources available for order or loan that can be used at events or in classrooms.
To request public educational materials and/or promotional items please contact us
Video
Yukon is Mapping the Way with Yukon First Nation Self-Government
Yukon is at the forefront of Aboriginal land claims and self-government in Canada. Eleven of the territory’s 14 First Nations have settled their land claims and are self-governing. The Umbrella Final Agreement was signed in 1993. It...
Resources
Mapping the way:
Yukon First Nation Self-Government
Yukon is one of Canada’s three northern territories, and is home to about 37,000 residents.
There are 14 First Nations in Yukon. Approximately 23% of Yukon’s population is Aboriginal, with most belonging to one of the 14 Yukon First Nations....
Video
This video was created by the Government of Canada to provide viewers with an overview of Yukon First Nations land claims and self-government negotiation and implementation including initiatives in the areas of governance, programs and services, economic development, education and land. Of all the...
Story
The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation’s Final Agreement made it possible for the First Nation to acquire a 49% interest in Air North, Yukon’s Airline.
This investment provides economic sustainability for the First Nation, jobs for its citizens and a transportation lifeline to Old Crow, the Yukon’s only fly...
Story
Yukon’s Tombstone Territorial Park protects a unique wilderness of rugged peaks, permafrost landforms, abundant wildlife and rich First Nations culture.
This park was established as a result of Chapter 11 of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Final Agreement.
The 2,200 square kilometer park is located an hour and...
Resources
Mapping the Way has two exhibits that are available for short and long term loans. If you would like to loan the exhibit for a meeting, conference, course or display, please contact us.
Both exhibits give a brief history of Yukon First Nation land claims and self-government including a timeline...
Story
The Da Kų Cultural Centre is a prime example of the realization of self-government.
The self-governing Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) created the vision and design for the facility with its citizens over many years and completed construction in 2012.
The Centre acts as a hub for the...
Podcast
Robert Hager grew up following traditional pursuits such as hunting, fishing and trapping. As a citizen of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, Robert is proud of his First Nation's history of self-government. His passion for self-government was one of the key aspects of his long and fulfilling...
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The Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre represents Kwanlin Dün’s return to the Yukon River, the First Nation’s traditional home.
The Kwanlin Dün First Nation Final Agreement provided for the development of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre on the Whitehorse waterfront. The Centre symbolizes Kwanlin Dün’s deep...
Podcast
Hal Mehaffey founded Mehaffey Consulting in 1992 after eight years as the Band Manager of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun in Mayo, Yukon. Hal specializes in the negotiation of land claim and Self-Government Agreements, implementation plans and financial transfer agreements. He represented the First...
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Doris McLean is an outspoken leader and advocate whose work has touched many aspects of Yukon life. Doris, whose Tagish name is Guna, has both Tlingit and Tagish ancestry and belongs to the Dakl'aweidi (killer whale) clan. Doris has worked tirelessly to help preserve the Tagish language and restore...
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Lesley McCullough has extensive legal and policy experience in governance and Aboriginal rights. She has worked for the Government of Yukon since 1992. Before becoming acting Assistant Deputy Minister of Courts and Regulatory Services, she held a variety of positions at the Government of Yukon's Land...
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Angie Joseph-Rear was active in the self-government process as a Chief, councillor and community member. Her work ensured the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in's land claims agreement reflected the values and aspirations of the Hän people.
Angie was the Hän language teacher at Dawson City's Robert Service School for...
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Sam Johnston is a well-respected Teslin Tlingit elder with an impressive political history. He served as Chief of the Teslin Tlingit Council for more than a decade, and was also a Member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly. Through his role as Speaker of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, Sam holds the...
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John Burdek has long been a familiar face at many levels of government in the Yukon. Burdek, who was born in Dawson City, attended Lethbridge Community College and spent many years with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He served as chairperson of the Ta'an Kwach'an Council, the First...
Download (19.91 MB)Story
The Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA) and Final Agreements called for the creation of over 20 boards, committees and councils.
These boards, committees and councils give all Yukoners increased opportunities to provide input and suggestions to decision-makers.
They address a range of issues including:...
Video
Everyone has a role to play in implementing land claims and self-government.
Daryn Leas, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizen
I think a lot of the people I work with, the people I interact with my age, have been inspired by the Together Today For Our Children Tomorrow.
Sharon Nelson, Chief, Selkirk First Nation...
Video
Land claims negotiation took hard work by many important leaders.
Marilyn Jensen, M.A., Yukon College Indigenous Governance Instructor, & Founder of the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers
Well, I think self-government is kind of a part of a bigger picture which I talk a lot about self-determination, which...
Video
Land claims negotiation took hard work by many important leaders.
Marilyn Jensen, M.A., Yukon College Indigenous Governance Instructor, & Founder of the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers
Our leaders and Chiefs of those times, and a lot of them were elders, they completely stepped out of their own paradigm to...
Video
Since the land claim and self-government agreements were signed, people have noticed some powerful changes.
Frances Oles, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations citizen
For me, it’s united people across the Yukon as Native people, and made our culture and our history valuable. Growing up and going to...
Video
All Yukoners benefit from the Agreements.
Daryn Leas, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizen
The UFA and the Final Agreements have benefited all Yukoners. We see Yukoners, whether you’re First Nation or not, participating and sitting on the boards and committees for the management of the land and resources,...
Video
Yukon is home to almost half of all comprehensive land claim and self-government agreements in Canada.
Peter Johnston, Grand Chief, Council of Yukon First Nations
Yukon is the cutting edge when it comes to self-government agreements across the world.
Daryn Leas, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizen
Absolutely...
Video
The Umbrella Final Agreement was signed in 1993. Today, 11 Yukon First Nations have Final and Self-Government Agreements.
Pauline Frost, Former Senior Official, Vuntut Gwitchin Government
The Umbrella Final Agreement for Yukon is a foundational document. It sets the tone for us as First Nations...
Video
In 1973, Yukon First Nation leaders presented Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow to the Prime Minister Pierre of Canada. This document became the basis for negotiating Yukon First Nation land claims.
Daryn Leas, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizen
Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow is a cornerstone...
Video
Before Land Claims and Self-Government
With more people and activity in the territory, Yukon First Nations realized that something had to be done to protect their land and way of life, and to make Yukon a better place to live.
Steve Smith, Chief, Champagne and Aishihik First...
Resources
Wayfinder is a free online resource hub that was developed by the Training Policy Committee (TPC) in response to the needs expressed by Yukon First Nations. On Wayfinder you can find job postings, training and funding information, and Yukon First Nation specific resources. It is the only website of...
Story, Podcast
This article is the result of a partnership between Mapping the Way and the Shakat Journal . Check out this and other stories of the Shakat Journal at: www.shakat.ca. Article by Skyler Isaac, Shakat Journal .
Without land Indian people have no soul, no life, no identity, no purpose. Control of our...
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Part Four - Settlement and Governance from Council of Yukon First Nations.
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Part Three - From Yesterday to Tomorrow from Council of Yukon First Nations.
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Part Two - Give Our Grandchildren Back from Council of Yukon First Nations.
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Part One - Strangers in Our Own Land from Council of Yukon First Nations.