Yukon is leading the way

The Children of Tomorrow is a series of 10 videos featuring prominent Yukoners who were children when Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow was being created. They share their thoughts on the past, present and future of the Yukon Agreements.

Back to the Children of Tomorrow series

Transcription

Yukon is home to almost half of all comprehensive land claim and self-government agreements in Canada.

Peter Johnston, Grand Chief, Council of Yukon First Nations: Yukon is the cutting edge when it comes to self-government agreements across the world.

Daryn Leas, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizen: Absolutely, I believe that Yukon First Nations are leaders when it comes to self-governance, when it comes to land claims.

Marilyn Jensen, M.A., Yukon College Indigenous Governance Instructor, & Founder of the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers: Our agreements, are really the high water mark.

Daryn Leas, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizen: People have noticed that our people are doing well, that there is a clear vision of where we want to go.

Marilyn Jensen, M.A., Yukon College Indigenous Governance Instructor, & Founder of the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers: We don’t just have municipal power as governments.  Our governments are equal to Yukon, and some say Canada.

Daryn Leas, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizen: We’re on a path that is pragmatic, it’s results oriented, it’s really about creating a better future for our kids, about transforming our communities, about creating economic wealth.  I work for other communities across Canada, and I always say look at the North, you know, that’s where the solutions are.  It’s a beacon of light for other communities to look at as an example.