Two people stand by a lake with beautifully beaded bags.

Mapping the 

way to

self-determination

 

Mapping the Way celebrates and raises awareness about the Yukon's modern treaties – the Final and Self-Government Agreements. Join us as we share stories of the people and events that helped map the way to a new governance landscape for all Yukoners.
First Nations Chiefs at the Parliament
On May 29, 1993, the Umbrella Final Agreement was signed by the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations. The Teslin Tlingit Council, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun also signed their Final and Self-Government Agreements.
From the past to present

Our journey to self-government

Reaching these agreements involved decades of negotiations, hard work, innovation and commitment by leaders and visionaries.
Learn about our journey
Modern treaties

Changing the Yukon's governance landscape

With close to half of the modern treaties in Canada, the Yukon is at the forefront of modern treaties and self-government in Canada.
Learn about the agreements
the Yukon's governance landscape
Umbrella Final Agreement
The Umbrella Final Agreement was the framework for negotiating individual Yukon First Nation agreements. It defined the amount of land and financial compensation for each First Nation, and called for the creation of boards and committees to provide community input and recommendations to government.
Final Agreements
The Final Agreements are constitutionally-protected modern treaties that define First Nations’ rights on Settlement Land and within their Traditional Territory. They address heritage, resources, wildlife, water, taxation, compensation, forestry and economic development.

Self-Government Agreements
The Self-Government Agreements provide First Nations with the power to control their own affairs. This includes establishing their own laws for their citizens and on Settlement Land and delivering programs and services to their Citizens.
Yukon First Nations and Yukon government leaders stand in front of the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre in Dawson.
Working together for reconciliation

Our Governments

The Final and Self-Government Agreements were signed by 11 Yukon First Nations, the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon. Learn more about the governments who support Mapping the Way and are working to implement these Agreements for the benefit of all Yukoners.
Our Governments
Betty Lucas is a fierce, independent Na-Cho Nyak Dun Elder armed with generations of knowledge passed down to her.

Our Stories

Read stories on the negotiation 

and implementation

of the Agreements

View All Stories
Resource Library

Videos, podcasts and exhibits

From archival footage, to interviews with leaders who championed the negotiation of the Agreements. These resources are geared for educators, new Yukoners, and long-time Yukoners alike.
View All Resources
An interview with Dave Joe
Voices of Vision: An interview with Dave Joe
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.
Listen
CBC news broadcast from 1973 on Together Today for our Children Tomorrow
CBC news on Together Today for our Children Tomorrow
Watch this CBC video news broadcast from February 14, 1973, when the Yukon Native Brotherhood, led by Elijah Smith, along with a delegation of Yukon First Nation leaders, presented Together Today for our Children Tomorrow to the federal government.
Watch
Perspectives Series: Together Today for our Children Tomorrow
Perspectives Series 1: Together Today For Our Children Tomorrow
Judy Gingell and Sam Johnston talk about developing the historic position paper Together Today For Our Children Tomorrow, traveling to Ottawa in 1973 and presenting it to then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau.
Watch