Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

In Northern Yukon, the Ch’ihilii Chìk Habitat Protection Area is a wetland complex that lies approximately 115 kilometres southeast of the community of Old Crow and is located in Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation’s Traditional Territory.

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Citizen and Indigenous rights lawyer Kris Statnyk talks about the legal history and development of the international borders between Canada and the United States and the impacts of the Yukon-Alaska border on Indigenous rights and freedoms. He specifically discusses this through the lens of Dinjii Zhuh (Gwitch’in) Peoples.

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Citizen Dana Tizya-Tramm discusses the Penner Report, the Berger Inquiry, and Indigenous self-government in the Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories.

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-in community.

The historic sites of Gindèhchik (Rampart House) and Zheh Gwatsàl (LaPierre House), are an important part of Gwich’in culture and history and are recognized in the Vuntut Gwitchin Final Agreement.

Today, Old Crow is the home community for the Vuntut Gwitchin – People of the Lakes. While the only way to get there is by plane, it’s worth the short flight to experience this place of beautiful culture, people, and land. With the help of Indigenous Yukon, we’ve put together a list of things to do and see for an unforgettable visit to the north-most community in the Yukon.

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.