Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

Kris encourages young people to learn about their agreements and then use that knowledge to get involved directly and indirectly with implementation of those modern treaties. He also shares the importance of maintaining connection to the land.

Stephen shares how modern treaties are a path forward, discusses the Yukon Government’s role in negotiations, and encourages youth to seek out mentor relationships.

For millennia, the Gwich’in have lived in and travelled to the Van Tat, British Mountains, and Porcupine River area in northern Yukon for centuries.

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.

Have you visited Ni''iinlii Njik (Fishing Branch) Territorial Park? Together, the park (whose name means "where fish spawn") and adjacent Habitat Protection Area and Settlement Lands protect a distinct ecosystem in the Traditional Territory of the Vuntut Gwichin First Nation.

Vuntut National Park was established through the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement in 1995, to protect the traditional and current Gwich’in way of life, and the water, plants and animals essential to their culture.

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.

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.