Carcross / Tagish First Nation

Tséi Zhéłe / Sinwaa Éex’i Yé (Conrad) Historic Site is a place for sharing, protecting and reconnecting with our heritage and culture.

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.

Kusawa Territorial Park is designated as a Special Management Area in two Land Claim Agreements and is part of three Traditional Territories: Carcross/Tagish, Champagne and Aishihik, and Kwanlin Dün First Nations.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. Empowerment infuses the Tiny Homes project that teaches life and carpentry skills to Citizens.