Mapping the Way celebrates and raises awareness about Yukon First Nation land claims and self-government. Join us as we share some of the stories of the people and events that helped map the way to a new governance landscape for all Yukoners.
Our Journey to Land Claims and Self-Government
Settling these agreements involved decades of hard work, innovation and commitment by leaders and visionaries and are mapping the way to a better future for all Yukoners.
Learn more about the journey that brought us to where we are and continues today.
Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow
“The only way we feel we can have a future is to settle our land claim ... that will return to us our lost pride, self-respect and economic independence. We are not here looking for a handout. We are here with a plan...” Elijah Smith, Chief of the Yukon Native Brotherhood
Together Today for our Children Tomorrow was a ground-breaking document that became the basis for negotiating Yukon First Nation land claims.
Our Agreements
Yukon is at the forefront of Aboriginal Land Claims and Self-Government in Canada. 11 of 14 Yukon First Nations have Final and self-government agreements (modern treaties). Yukon is home to approximately half of all comprehensive land claim and self-government agreements in Canada.
Land Use / Special Managment Areas
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 environment for the benefit of all Yukoners, while respecting the rights of Yukon First Nations.
Heritage
Chapter 13 of the Final Agreements is all about Heritage, which includes the designation of historic sites.
The sites are locations that have shaped a way of life for Yukon First Nations and throughout Yukon’s history. They are the places that were used for fishing or hunting, where villages and gathering places stood, or were strategic locations for trading and other activities. Many of these sites are landmarks within Yukon communities and are connected with remarkable people or events in our history.
Economic Development
Chapter 22 of the Final Agreements is all about economic development. The objectives of this chapter are to provide Yukon First Nations citizens with opportunities to participate in the Yukon economy, to foster economic self-reliance, and to ensure that Yukon First Nations citizens benefit economically from the Agreements.
Self-government agreements
Eleven of the Yukon's fourteen First Nations have self-government agreements, which means the decision-making power is in the hands of First Nations to decide on their governance structure and membership and to make their own choices about how to deliver programs and services to their communities.
