Yukon Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements Implementation Report 2012-2017

Activities 2012 to 2017

Web Resources

• Destination Carcross Yukon
• Governments of Canada and Yukon announce funding for Carcross/Tagish First Nation Learning Centre
• Carcross/Tagish First Nation is taking steps to make home ownership a reality in the community
• The Carcross/Tagish First Nation finds strength in economic development
• Carcross/Tagish First Nation calls on William and Kate to support land rights
• Food security
• Conrad Historic Site management plan
• Peel watershed dispute before Supreme Court of Canada

Activities 2012 to 2013

Challenges

Activities 2013 to 2014

Challenges

Activities 2014 to 2015

Activities 2015 to 2016

Activities 2016 to 2017

Challenges

Limitations created by Section 18 of the Self-Government Agreement (Government of Yukon Financial Contributions) continue to cause a roadblock.

Resources

• Yukon First Nation Self-Government

Activities 2012 to 2017

Activities 2012 to 2017

In August 2012, Kluane First Nation signed an innovative benefit agreement with Prophecy Platinum, then-owner of the Wellgreen Platinum project. Under the agreement, the First Nation receives shares in addition to incentives related to training and employment.

On October 18th, 2013, Kluane First Nation celebrated the tenth anniversary of the signing of its Final Agreement and Self-Government Agreement. Representatives of Kluane First Nation sit on the Southern Tutchone Tribal Council.

Kluane First Nation participated in the pilot stage of a language nest project. The program resulted in greater community engagement and helped staff and children in the daycare learn Southern Tutchone. Programming has continued to include Southern Tutchone in the daycare and the school.

The First Nation carried out initiatives under the Kluane Dana Shäw Limited Partnership and the Kluane Community Development Corporation. The former organization focuses on wealth generation by means of cooperative ventures such as limited partnerships. The mandate of the second corporation is to enhance community growth by providing local economic opportunities, community builds and infrastructure in the community.

In 2015–16, Kluane First Nation participated in testing for contaminants in food fish in Kluane Lake as part of Phase 2 of "Nourishing Our Future: An Adaptive Food Security Strategy to Ensure the Cultural and Physical Well-Being of the Kluane First Nation Against the Impacts of Climate Change in the Yukon." Other projects goals were ensuring that traditional knowledge of fishing locations, seasons, methods, and preparation is passed from elders to youth; and discussing potential impacts of climate change that affect access to local traditional foods. The project was funded by the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada's Northern Contaminants Program, the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Trust and the Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council.

In February 2015, the Government of Yukon and the Kluane First Nation signed a $583,000 agreement to collect geophysical data via an airborne survey of a portion of the Kluane mountain ranges. The survey was funded by the First Nation and the Yukon Geological Survey through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development program. The survey area, southeast of the Donjek River and west of the Alaska Highway, is a region known for its prospective nickel-copper-platinum group deposits.

Kluane First Nation is a member of the steering committee for Asi Keyi Territorial Park. The park has not yet been designated under the Yukon's Parks and Land Certainty Act, but the area within the park that is identified through land claim agreements has been permanently withdrawn from mineral and oil and gas exploration.

In October 2016, the Kluane Community Development Corporation started work on a new gym and change room in front of the existing Burwash arena. The project was funded by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, the Community Development Fund, and the First Nation. The project employed ten Kluane First Nation citizens, who were trained on the job under the guidance of a certified Red Seal carpenter and were able to apply their employment hours towards a carpentry journeyman program.

Successes

The First Nation is exploring energy initiatives to reduce its dependence on diesel generation. These include expanding its current solar panels with an additional 42 kilowatts of power. This expansion was supported by the federal Build Canada Fund. Kluane First Nation is also working with the Cold Climate Innovation Centre in Whitehorse to assess the potential of wind energy in Burwash Landing and Destruction Bay, two communities in its Traditional Territory.

Challenges

Kluane First Nation's Traditional Territory overlaps 100 percent with that of the White River First Nation, which has not negotiated a Final Agreement or Self-Government Agreement. This overlap causes ongoing difficulties with Kluane First Nation's implementation efforts.

In September 2015, Kluane First Nation notified the Governments of Canada and Yukon that they wished to initiate negotiations on an Administration of Justice Agreement. The agreement has not yet been negotiated; this causes a lack of clarity about enforcement of Kluane First Nation laws in their Traditional Territory.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Key Successes and Challenges

Activities 2012 to 2017

Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation government has 88 permanent and seasonal employees in six departments: Council Office (Dän yatthi yetth'i), Executive (Nakhwän nak'i hû'é do), Finance (Dàné dän do k'anete), Capital (Dän kezhi k'anete), Health (Dän sóthän nûtl'et do) and Lands, Resources and Heritage (Nän nena Dän do k'ānete). The First Nation also has active Youth and Elders councils.

The First Nation continued efforts to align its governance practices with Dän K'i ("Indigenous way") principles and practices, based on the foundational principles of caring (Ekátsedli), sharing (Łeyâts'eli), respect (Na t'le traa) and teaching/Learning (Hats'adӓn). This included work on Dooli project, as well as a Dän K'i Code of Conduct. In addition, the First Nation created a new department of Culture, Language and Education to support more intensive and immediate revitalization of traditional culture and language.

Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation carries out stewardship efforts over lands, natural resources and heritage values over the whole of its Traditional Territory. Infrastructure activities during this period included maintenance and servicing of 15 government buildings and 146 houses, including water delivery, snow removal, garbage pick-up, and providing elders' firewood. The First Nation provided health programs and social services, daycare services, and a meals-on-wheels program.

Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation constructed a new health and social services and daycare building (using debt financing) to address current space shortfalls and future needs. The First Nation also carried out major repairs on eight older housing units, which were funded through the Yukon Housing Corporation and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The First Nation operated the Tagé Cho Hudän Interpretive Centre in the summer and a satellite office in Whitehorse year-round.

The First Nation established a new Trust and a Board of Trustees during this period.

Challenges

Prolonged negotiations continue around the renewal of the Financial Transfer Agreement, which expired in 2015.

Inadequate fiscal resources prevented Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation from addressing program needs and deficiencies, namely around housing, land and resource stewardship, language revitalization, and cultural education and well-being programs.

During the reporting period Little Salmon/ Carmacks First Nation had critical housing shortages and infrastructure deficits, which led to difficulties in meeting its capacity needs. Wage/benefits gaps and inadequate housing hinders the First Nation's ability to attract and retain skilled staff, and socio-economic gaps in the community result in a deficit of skilled local workers.

The First Nation addressed specific and cumulative impacts of industrial development on treaty rights and values, such as fish and wildlife habitat, water, cultural resources and traditional use areas.

Activities 2012 to 2013

In 2012, Selkirk First Nation started an ambitious process of policy and legislative development, including updating human resources policies, developing a finance policy, revising the Election Act by establishing an oversight committee, setting a consistent date, and adding Elder and Youth Councillor positions, creating a code of conduct and a student support policy. The implementation of the Minto Mine Royalty Policy was a significant accomplishment in 2012.

Negotiations with the Government of Yukon on a Memorandum of Understanding regarding Eliza Van Bibber School Education matters were also initiated.

Exploratory discussions on the renewal of the Financial Transfer Agreement began in preparation for the renewal date of 2015.

Selkirk First Nation funded and hosted a successful Youth Conference focused on preparing youth for the future. In collaboration with Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and the First Nation of Nacho Nyäk Dun, Selkirk First Nation started work on an organizational plan for the Northern Tutchone Council.

The First Nation continued to be actively involved in the development and implementation of a work plan for the Self-Government Secretariat, and participated in the Implementation Working Group.

Activities 2013 to 2014

The First Nation established a Senior Management Team to support strong leadership within the administration. A review of all senior positions in the organization was initiated.

Negotiations on the Financial Transfer Agreement renewal began in January 2014.

Amendments to the Selkirk First Nation Constitution were passed to address qualifications for office in advance of the upcoming election.

The First Nation continued to be actively involved in the development and implementation of a work plan for the Self-Government Secretariat, and participated in the Implementation Working Group.

Activities 2014 to 2015

Selkirk First Nation had an Election. New leadership was elected in April 2014.

The First Nation identified the following priorities for the coming years: providing safe housing, supporting healing in the community, protecting and respectfully using the land, and supporting the education of community members of all ages.

This fiscal year saw a major restructuring of the Executive Department, dividing the role of Executive Director into three positions: Director of Governance, Director of Operations, and Executive Advisor.

Following a resolution passed at the 2014 General Assembly, the Elders' Council also underwent a restructuring. The Heritage Office led a research trip to Ottawa to explore how Northern Tutchone history is depicted in museums in the capital. Many Selkirk First Nation recordings, photos and artifacts were found.

The First Nation continued to be actively involved in the development and implementation of a work plan for the Self-Government Secretariat and the Implementation Working Group.

Activities 2015 to 2016

In 2015, Selkirk First Nation and the Government of Yukon signed a Memorandum of Understanding on education that had been in negotiation since 2013. This agreement includes the implementation of curriculum and programs in Eliza Van Bibber School in Pelly Crossing that encompass Selkirk First Nation traditional and cultural beliefs.

Work began on a ten-year capital plan to identify priorities for the Selkirk First Nation Capital Department, including an assessment of all housing stock. The Capital Department began preparations for the construction of a new Early Childhood Development Centre.

Chief and Council participated in the Yukon Forum and Intergovernmental Forum, the first to be held in a number of years.

The Financial Transfer Agreement term expired in 2015 and was extended to 2017. Turnover in the federal negotiator position had delayed the ability to engage in negotiations, which resumed in 2016.

The Lands and Resources Department began work on a traditional land use study to document Selkirk First Nation's use of its lands, which will assist the First Nation in the management of its lands and resources and allow them to be better prepared to respond to proposed resource exploration and development in the Traditional Territory.

The First Nation continued to be involved in the development and implementation of a work plan for the Self-Government Secretariat and the Implementation Working Group. The working group had a busy year developing a terms of reference and communications work plan.

Activities 2016 to 2017

The Terms of Reference for the Justice Committee was approved as the first step in establishing a Justice Council, as defined in the Selkirk First Nation Constitution. Work on this initiative will be a significant activity in 2017–18, following the dissolution of the Northern Tutchone Council in summer 2016.

Amendments to bring clarity on the time-line for nominations in the Election Act were passed in 2016 in preparation for the April 2017 election. Royalty Policy amended in 2016 outlining specific investments.

Housing in the community continues to be one of the biggest challenges for Selkirk First Nation. A significant portion of the First Nation's budget was allocated to build six new houses and undertake four major house renovations in 2016.

The First Nation continued to be actively involved in the development and implementation of a work plan for the Self-Government Secretariat, and participated in the Implementation Working Group.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Ta'an Kwäch'än Council adopted a community-driven strategic plan that outlines key priorities to help guide the government's activities from 2018 to 2023. The First Nation undertook major projects relating to environmental restoration, housing, heritage and culture; and participated in numerous regional and national committees that influence the First Nation's health, education, culture and heritage, economy, and environment.

During the reporting period Ta'an Kwäch'än Council held its General Assemblies once a year.

Successes

Ta'an Kwäch'än Council has a strong traditional structure with cultural beliefs and values unique to its people. The First Nation's government is comprised of the General Assembly, Council, the Elders Council, and the Judicial Council. Work commenced to establish a Youth Council.

Key challenges

Implementing provisions of the Final and Self-Government Agreements was a challenge during the reporting period, specifically Chapter 22 (Representative Public Service Plan) and Program and Service Transfer Agreements.

Enrollment, including reconciling lists of dual citizens, beneficiaries and status Indians, was a challenge for the First Nation.

An outdated and under-capacity administration building was another challenge, as was the turnover in human resources staff. Ta'an Kwäch'än Council often loses staff members to other governments with higher paying jobs after they gain experience working for the First Nation.

Revisions to the Yukon's Land Titles Act including an electronic registrar and database are still in the early stages of being developed by a group of self-governing Yukon First Nations.

The lack of adequate housing and employment for Ta'an Kwäch'än Council citizens were key challenges; job qualification requirements meant limited employment opportunities. The timing of contritibution agreements created fiscal challenges.

Ta'an Kwäch'än Council struggled to meaningfully connect citizens with their heritage and traditional activities. An active Youth Council has not yet been established due to the limited youth population.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Teslin Tlingit Council participated in ongoing work by the Implementation Working Group to establish a subgroup to develop a communications strategy. The communications subgroup launched additional products related to the "Mapping the Way" initiative and hired an evaluator to review Implementation Working Group communications work to date. In addition, Teslin Tlingit Council participated in the heritage manual drafting committee established by the Implementation Working Group.

The First Nation received a modest amendment to the Financial Transfer Agreement in respect of the Indian Student Support Program.

Teslin Tlingit Council negotiated with Canada and Yukon regarding the enforcement provisions of the Administration of Justice Agreement signed in February 2011.

Teslin Tlingit Council held ongoing discussions with Canada regarding Program and Service Transfers, including Alcohol and Drug Services.

Teslin Tlingit Council held an Enrolment Summit in December 2013 and March 2015 to discuss the changes related to the Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act; these were attended by Section 17 negotiators and Yukon First Nation enrolment officers.

Teslin Tlingit Council prepared for a review of Chapter 22 of its Final Agreement. Teslin Tlingit Council's right of first refusal to acquire new permits or licenses in its Traditional Territories for commercial fishing, wilderness adventure travel, and outfitting concessions under Schedule A to Chapter 22 was due to expire on January 1, 2016. Teslin Tlingit Council requested that Canada and Yukon extend the application of this clause until the obligations of government under Chapter 22 cease, pursuant to Section 22.9.1 of the Final Agreements.

Teslin Tlingit Council attended meetings on the implementation of the Representative Public Service Plan, which were organized by the Government of Yukon's Public Service Commission through the Aboriginal Recruitment and Development Program.

In May 2016, representatives from the Government of Canada and self-governing Yukon First Nations and Indigenous groups from across Canada initiated a process to develop a collaborative fiscal policy. The policy framework, released by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada in July 2015, included a revised method to calculate offsets for own-source revenue. Teslin Tlingit Council withdrew from this process in early fall 2016.

Successes

In October 2016, Teslin Tlingit Council and the Village of Teslin received the Economic Developers Award for their ten-year Teslin Community Development Plan from the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO). The integrated community development plan addresses shared community development needs while respecting each organization's jurisdiction.

Challenges

Resolving the questions raised by the Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act, including dual citizenship and aligning the federal government's Indian Register list with Yukon First Nation citizenship lists – continues to be an issue. Teslin Tlingit Council is concerned about the effects of new status registrants on its assumed responsibilities for programs and services and the increased number of registrants as a result of the Act for whom the First Nation is now responsible.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Activities 2012 to 2017

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation participated in the regional land use planning process for the Peel Watershed in accordance with Chapter 11 of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement. The First Nation also advanced implementation of the North Yukon Regional Land Use Plan, including collaboration with partners to develop management plans for Dàadzàii Vàn Territorial Park and Ch'ihilii Chik Habitat Protection Area.

The First Nation initiated negotiations with Canada towards a renewed Financial Transfer Agreement.

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation constructed a temporary winter road to Old Crow in partnership with the Government of Yukon, and also constructed a new fuel tank farm in Old Crow, as well as supporting construction of an Arctic Co-op store.

The Old Crow Solar Project moved forward through the final design and engineering stage of project development, and the First Nation advanced capital planning for a new health centre, multiplex and "Home for the Wise Ones."

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation also developed and implemented Gwich'in language classes. In addition, it launched the Historical Lifeways Project to involve youth with their culture through research and experiential learning.

The First Nation developed and enacted the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Heritage Act, developed the Vuntut Gwitchin Government Oil and Gas Engagement Policy, and participated in the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process.

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation also participated in the Yukon Forum and Intergovernmental Forum. At the national level, the First Nation participated in the Prime Minister's Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum.

The First Nation agreed to a contiguous boundary to resolve the issue of overlapping Traditional Territory boundaries with Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation advocated for the permanent protection of the sacred calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou herd, situated in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Challenges

A key challenge was the breach of the honour of the Crown and Chapter 11 of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement by the Government of Yukon in the regional land use planning process for the Peel Watershed.

Implementing the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final and Self-Government Agreements with insufficient fiscal resources was another challenge.

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation also had to navigate many challenges because it is located in a remote, fly-in community.

Activities 2012 to 2013

Phase I of Walking Together to Revitalize and Recognize Yukon First Nation Languages, administered by Council of Yukon First Nation's Self-Government Secretariat, was completed in August 2012. Projects completed included a Tlingit Immersion Camp; initiation of language nests for Kluane First Nation, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, and Carcross/Tagish First Nation; and a community language plan for the Vuntut Gwitchin Government.

In June 2012 Kluane First Nation hosted the Council of Yukon First Nations General Assembly. Topics discussed included implementation of the corporate strategic plan; Bill C-38 on environmental assessment; the Youth Council; and the First Nations Bank.

On December 13, 2012, the Council of Yukon First Nations attended a teleconference information session hosted by the Government of Canada on potential amendments to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act. On January 9, 2013, the Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Ruth Massie called on the Premier of the Government of Yukon to continue discussions with the Council of Yukon First Nations on issues related to those proposed amendments to ensure that the involvement of Yukon First Nations was consistent with Chapter 12 of the Umbrella Final Agreement and with the five-year review of the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act.

Activities 2013 to 2014

The Yukon First Nation Statistics Agency, created by the Council of Yukon First Nation's Self Government Secretariat with funding from the Northern Strategy Trust Fund, supported Yukon First Nation governments by developing population projections, analyzing data held by other levels of government on Yukon First Nation citizens, and undertaking research. In 2013, the agency worked with the Council of Yukon First Nation's Self Government Secretariat and Yukon Education to produce a draft report on student achievement specific to First Nations students.

In March 2013 the Council of Yukon First Nation's Education Department hosted the Yukon Education Summit.

Initiatives identified by the Council of Yukon First Nation's Health and Social Development Department were funded under the Aboriginal Health Human Resource Initiative, which lasted until the initiative ended in March 2014.

In June 2013 the Council of Yukon First Nation held its General Assembly in Whitehorse. Events included a presentation by the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, implementation of the Council of Yukon First Nation Strategic Plan; the Memorandum of Understanding on land titles; and an all-candidates forum for candidates for Grand Chief.

Activities 2014 to 2015

Resources under the Aboriginal Health Human Resource Initiative continued to be available through the Council of Yukon First Nation's Health and Social Development Department, and courses under the Community-Based Worker Training program continued until March 31, 2015, including Mental Health First Aid for Northern Peoples.

In 2014 Canada's Aboriginal Justice Strategy funded a proposal to conduct research to determine if a Gladue program would be feasible in the Yukon and to create some basic protocols that could support such a program. The Steering Committee included representatives from the Council of Yukon First Nation's Justice Programs, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada – Yukon Region, the Yukon Department of Justice, and Kwanlin Dün First Nation's Justice Department. The report was released in 2015.

In June 2014 Champagne and Aishihik First Nations hosted the Council of Yukon First Nation General Assembly in Haines Junction. The topics discussed included the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly in Halifax, the Yukon and Nunavut Regulatory Improvement Act to amend the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act, the report of the First Nations Education Commission, the Salmon Sub-Committee, and the Council of Yukon First Nations Constitution.

In November 2014 the Council of Yukon First Nations held a special two-day General Assembly in Whitehorse to discuss its mandate with all interested Yukon First Nations. This was a focused opportunity for Yukon First Nation leadership and citizens to consider and shape the mandate of the Council of Yukon First Nations.

Activities 2015 to 2016

In June 2015 the Selkirk First Nation hosted the Council of Yukon First Nations General Assembly at Minto Landing. Issues discussed included salmon management and the passage of the Yukon and Nunavut Regulatory Improvement Act to amend the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act, and an all-candidates forum for the Assembly of First Nations Yukon Regional Chief.

Council of Yukon First Nations' senior leadership travelled to meet with Yukon First Nations in their respective communities to present the What We Heard document that followed from the Special General Assembly held in November 2014.

In September 2015 Yukon First Nations and the Council of Yukon First Nations hosted a forum for candidates in the federal election campaign.

In December 2015 the Council of Yukon First Nations' Grand Chief Ruth Massie joined the Yukon delegation in Paris at COP-21, the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Yukon delegation also included the leaders of Yukon's opposition parties, the Climate Change Youth Ambassador and officials from the Government of Yukon's Department of Environment.

In 2015 and 2016 the Council of Yukon First Nations, along with its partners in education the First Nation Education Commission, and Yukon Education continued to meet and move ahead with initiatives under the Joint Education Action Plan. These followed from the Joint Education Action Plan Implementation Strategy, which was an outcome of the 2015 Education Summit. The focus of the 2016 summit was on three key areas: cultural inclusion standards; a framework for a Yukon First Nation engagement protocol; and support for First Nations students.

In January 2016 the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon College launched Yukon First Nation 101, an online course developed in partnership with the 14 Yukon First Nations. The four-hour program builds on the Yukon First Nations core competency that all Yukon College credit students are required to have. Northwestel was the first corporate partner to participate in the course, which is available to any Yukon business or non-government organization.

Also in January, the Council of Yukon First Nations' Grand Chief Ruth Massie expressed support for the government-to-government protocol and work plan on mining-related matters and shared priorities developed by the Government of Yukon and self-governing Yukon First Nations.

In February the Council of Yukon First Nations and member Yukon First Nations advocated support for the three First Nations – Nacho Nyäk Dun, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in and Vuntut Gwitchin – who were among the appelants moving forward with the Peel watershed case to the Supreme Court of Canada.

In March 2016 the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Yukon Planning Group on Homelessness conducted the first Point-in-Time Homeless Count in Whitehorse. The Point-in-Time count is part of the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy, which is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada.

Activities 2016 to 2017

In April 2016 the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, along with the Yukon Premier, the Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief and Chiefs of the 11 self-governing Yukon First Nations met at the Intergovernmental Forum in Whitehorse, the first forum in nearly six years. A highlight was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Canada, Yukon, the Council of Yukon First Nations and self-governing Yukon First Nations that outlines mutually agreeable key steps towards addressing many of the First Nations' concerns regarding changes to Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act.

In May 2016 former Chief of Teslin Tlingit Council Chief Peter Johnston was acclaimed as the Council of Yukon First Nations' next Grand Chief. Johnston was sworn in at the Council of Yukon First Nations' General Assembly, hosted by the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation in June.

In 2016 the Government of Yukon and First Nations partners supported several community projects through the Mental Wellness Innovation Fund. The proposals were reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives from the Council of Yukon First Nations, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Government of Yukon.

During the 2016 territorial election the Council of Yukon First Nations hosted a public forum for the party leader candidates. In November the Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston congratulated the three First Nations women who won seats in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.

Yukon's premier and chiefs attended the Yukon Forum in January 2017, the first one attended by newly elected Premier Sandy Silver. Participants committed to holding four Yukon Forums a year and to developing a joint action plan for shared priorities.

Also in January 2017 the Government of Yukon and self-governing Yukon First Nations signed a memorandum of understanding at the Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver. The agreement establishes a government-to-government relationship that enables the Government of Yukon and First Nations chiefs to work together to improve the management of mineral resources in the Yukon.

In February 2017 the Premier, Cabinet ministers and a First Nations delegation travelled to Ottawa for three days of meetings. The meetings, part of the annual Yukon Days, provided an opportunity for First Nations chiefs to meet with federal ministers.

In early 2017 the Council of Yukon First Nations hosted the Yukon First Nation Choice School Visioning Sessions. Yukon First Nations examined how First Nation education is structured in Canada and discussed options for a First Nation education system in the territory.

On March 17, 2017 the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, along with the Yukon premier, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston and Yukon First Nations chiefs met at the Intergovernmental Forum in Whitehorse. The governments provided updates on shared priorities, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Also in March 2017, Yukon First Nations, the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Chamber of Mines confirmed their united support to have federal Bill C-17 (An Act to amend the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act) passed by Parliament without change. Bill C-17 would repeal contentious amendments to Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act.

Activities 2012 to 2017

The Alsek Renewable Resources Council participated in the development and implementation of the Alsek Integrated Moose Management Plan. The primary objective of the plan is the recovery of moose populations in the southern portion of the Champagne and Aishihik Traditional Territory. The plan requires the Alsek Renewable Resources Council to partner with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Government of Yukon, Parks Canada, and the Government of British Columbia. The Council provided in-kind and financial contributions to support a ground-based wolf reduction program per the objectives of the Yukon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. Council participates in the annual and triannual review of this plan.

Alsek Renewable Resources Council partnered with the Yukon Department of Energy, Mines and Resources and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations on the development of a new Timber Supply Analysis for the Champagne and Aishihik Traditional Territory. The analysis will provide the framework for a new Allowable Annual Cut determination by Forest Management Branch, which will be the first of its kind since the implementation of the Yukon Forest Resources Act and Forest Resources Regulation in 2011. Council was pleased to have been involved in this important work to ensure that forest harvesting in the Champagne and Aishihik Traditional Territory takes place in a sustainable manner and that the local use of forests is considered by governments when determining the annual allowable cut. Council also participated in the ongoing timber harvest planning process, and provided the public with a forum to comment on forestry activities through the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act process.

The Council is a member of the Aishihik Lake Advisory Committee. The Committee is collaboration between Yukon Energy and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, and includes a variety of government and non-profit organizations to discuss the continued use of the Aishihik watershed for hydro production. Associated ongoing research and monitoring programs provide Council with up-to-date information regarding fish and wildlife populations in the Aishihik watershed.

Alsek Renewable Resources Council developed and implemented an ongoing habitat restoration and enhancement project for Pine Creek, a local food and recreational fishery in the Haines Junction area that has been negatively impacted by changes to the watershed. Community consultation indicated that Pine Creek had historically been an important subsistence harvest and recreational fishery site for both First Nation and non-First Nation community members. Alsek Renewable Resources Council members interviewed First Nation elders and longtime community members, who provided local and traditional knowledge regarding historic fish populations and noted trends. They were also able to provide important details regarding changes in the water-shed that may have resulted in declines in fish populations.

Alsek Renewable Resources Council received funding from the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board's Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Trust Fund to assess fish populations and fish health in Pine Creek, and to design and implement an in-stream habitat enhancement project. Council contracted an environmental assessment firm, who collaborated with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Yukon Youth Conservation Corps. This is an ongoing community project that has secured additional funding for future work.

The Council supported harvest restrictions on Pine Lake, an important local recreational and subsistence fishery. The goal of the multi-year program is to rebuild lake trout populations to a sustainable harvest level. The Council partnered with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations to complete a study of fish health and contaminants and included local high school students in the sampling work. The Pine Lake project is an extension of the efforts to restore habitat in Pine Creek; it is hoped that the two projects will complement each other to ensure the optimum long-term productivity of the Pine Lake watershed.

The Council hosted and attended numerous intergovernmental and community meetings on various topics, including the management of wood bison, elk, grizzly bears, off road vehicle use, and regulatory changes to the Yukon Wildlife Act. The Council continued to attend meetings hosted by the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board, and annual gatherings of the Renewable Resources Council Chairs, as well as the Renewable Resources Council Annual General Meeting. Alsek Renewable Resources Council, along with Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council of the Kluane First Nation Traditional Territory co-hosted the 2016–17 Annual General Meeting, an on-the-land gathering of First Nations, Renewable Resources Councils, and various government bodies at Silver City on the shores of Kluane Lake.

Alsek Renewable Resources Council participated in outfitter harvest quota meetings, trap line concession reviews, harvest management policy development meetings, and continued to support research and monitoring activities in the Champagne and Aishihik Traditional Territory relating to wildlife, water quality and climate change.

The Council continued to maintain its public office and staff member in Haines Junction.

Successes

The most significant success for the Council was the development of the five-year (2016 to 2021) Community-Based Fish and Wildlife Work Plan, which involved extensive intergovernmental and community-based consultation. The work plan will provide guidance to the Alsek Renewable Resources Council on current and future projects and activities. The plan establishes four priorities – moose, freshwater fish, thinhorn sheep, and trapping – for the Council to focus its efforts on, as well as other monitoring and stewardship activities for the Council to consider, including caribou, mountain goats, wolves, grizzly bears, upland game birds, wildlife viewing, water monitoring, and off-road vehicle management.

Challenges

The most significant challenges faced by the Council are the recruitment and retention of Council members; and funding shortfalls for training and development of Council members and staff to ensure that they are current with a wide array of topics, including financial and administrative management, wildlife ecology, climate change, and communication technology as it relates to public engagement.

Activities 2012 to 2013

In 2012–13 Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council developed the concept and undertook preliminary planning for a multi-jurisdictional "On the Land" gathering.

The Council also launched a public awareness campaign, "Don't Lose It, Use It!" that offered options for dealing with freezer-burned meat and fish. The council also finalized its trapline allocation guidelines.

Activities 2013 to 2014

In 2013–14 the Council provided feedback on a range of proposed legislative and policy changes.

Activities 2014 to 2015

In 2014–15 Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council sponsored two youths in the Basic Trapper Training Workshop. The Council also hosted a wolf pelt handling workshop in Carcross that focused on the necessary steps in pelt handling and was well attended by wolf trapping trainees and others.

Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council successfully completed the first year of a multi–year project to recover abandoned telegraph wire in the Southern Lakes region in partnership with Carcross/Tagish First Nation, and with assistance from the Yukon Youth Conservation Corps, to map the locations of the abandoned wire.

The Council hosted a public meeting with the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board to seek public input on how roadside bear hunting should be regulated, and also hosted a trappers' gathering to better understand how to assist trappers in the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Traditional Territory; and how the Council could work more effectively with trappers and support the trapping industry.

From 2014 to 2017 the Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council worked with the Government of Yukon on an awareness campaign to decrease Southern Lakes caribou mortalities on the highway.

Activities 2015 to 2016

In 2015–16 the Council hosted a three-day trapping and ice fishing youth camp with Carcross/Tagish First Nation, encouraging youth and teaching them about fishing, trapping and being on the land. That same year Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council and Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board jointly hosted a public review of the proposed changes to Yukon Wildlife Act regulations. The two organizations also jointly hosted five fur-handling workshops; these "hands–on" events were funded through the Government of Yukon's Department of Economic Development. The council participated in the planning process for the Tagish River Habitat Protection Area.

The Council established a working relationship with a local outfitter and distributed moose meat that he donated to community elders and people in need. Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council developed a website as part of its overall communication strategy to connect to all four communities in the Traditional Territory: Carcross, Tagish, Marsh Lake and Mount Lorne.

Activities 2016 to 2017

In 2016–17 the Council carried out a study on least cisco populations in the Tagish and Nares rivers; the study was initiated to address the longstanding concerns of Carcross/Tagish First Nation elders that these populations had declined significantly over the past fifty years or so and were continuing to decline. The study, which included field surveys and sampling, was partly funded by the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Trust and the Yukon Energy Corporation.

In June 2016 Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council hosted the fourth annual On the Land Gathering, attended by various First Nation governments as well as the Governments of Yukon and British Columbia, to discuss management of the Southern Lakes caribou and other wildlife related issues. The Council also participated in and provided funding for a caribou education curriculum for schools.

The Council hosted a three-day Youth Muskrat Camp at Little Atlin Lake in partnership with Carcross/Tagish First Nation. The camp taught youth about muskrat trapping, beaver trapping, skinning of animals and ice fishing, and included talks by conservation officers, a biologist, a First Nation elder, and the RCMP.

This was a very successful initiative and all the participants expressed interest in attending another camp.

Resources

Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council has worked on and completed many projects over the 2012–2017 period. Various project reports can be viewed and/or downloaded at the following link: www.ctrrc.ca/index.php/projects

Activities 2012 to 2017

All the Council's regular monthly meetings are open to the public and the agenda is posted the week before the meeting. The Council operates from September to June and is closed in July and August.

During the reporting period, the Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council focused on strengthening partnerships with Kluane First Nation, Environment Yukon and other organizations that manage renewable resources. The Council has expanded its network to include organizations such as Wildwise Yukon, Yukon Wildlife Viewing, Yukon Outfitters Association, Arctic Institute of North America, Yukon Invasive Species Council, Arctic Institute of Community-Based Research, Yukon Trappers Association; plus mineral exploration companies, as well as many independent researchers.

The Council has also made significant effort to increase public awareness and understanding of its mandate and to encourage a sense of land stewardship among key groups such as youth, trappers, hunters and other land users. This includes working with the Kluane Lake School in Destruction Bay to encourage youth to understand renewable resource management. Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council has designed and implemented creative initiatives such as a youth photo contest focused on renewable resources, adding trapping to the curriculum and coordinating field trips like annual visits to spawning sites for chum salmon.

Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council also makes regular presentations to the Kluane First Nation Elders Council to encourage elders in the communities in the Traditional Territory to engage with its work. Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council attends Kluane First Nation General Assemblies, Harvest Camps and other events that provide opportunities to share information.

Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council initiated a wildlife observation project to encourage the documentation of local knowledge in order to better inform wildlife monitoring and management planning, thereby providing a venue for residents and land users of the Kluane First Nation Traditional Territory core area to contribute their observations and opinions on matters that impact wildlife. It includes distributing wildlife observation journals to community residents and local land users to record their wildlife sightings and return the information to the Council. The project also involves annual community interviews with volunteers related to observations of changes with wildlife populations, climate change and other factors that affect renewable resources. A third component is the use of motion sensor cameras in key areas of wildlife habitat. The project has increased public awareness and expanded the Council's data base of local knowledge, although managing the information collected and reporting the findings to the public remains a challenge for the Council, which is a small organization with limited funds and capacity.

Extensive independent research takes place within the Traditional Territory. For example, the Kluane Lake Research Station, operated by the Arctic Institute of North American, hosts university students and academics who study a variety of research topics relevant to renewable resources. Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council has increased communication between researchers and the public by hosting events such as its annual open house, where researchers and other organizations with projects relevant to the Kluane First Nation Traditional Territory can exchange ideas with members of the public, Kluane First Nation and the Council.

The Renewable Resources Council accumulated surplus funding has allowed Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council to support two research projects of great value to the area. The "Nourishing Our Futures" project analyzed contaminants and nutrients in Kluane Lake fish and included comprehensive engagement with youth and the community. Results of the project were very positive and concluded that Kluane Lake trout are very healthy to eat, showing only minimal signs of contaminants.

The surplus fund also enabled the Council to support the continued collection of data related to the water temperature and conductivity of Kluane Lake to help determine the effects of climate change. This research is especially relevant in light of recent changes to the Slims River (A'ąy Chù) drainage basin that has for hundreds of years provided the majority of freshwater to Kluane Lake. The baseline data collected through these two projects will contribute to the long-term management of the lake's resources.

Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council participates in a wide range of consultations related to the management of local renewable resources, including the development of a regional moose management strategy; proposed off-road vehicle regulations; grizzly bear conservation and management planning; wild salmon policy implementation; preventing wildlife collisions; and proposed Wildlife Act amendments. Many of these discussions are ongoing.

Challenges

Since the Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council was established in 2004, the 100 percent overlap of the Kluane First Nation's traditional territory with White River First Nation in the Umbrella Final Agreement map has been a hindrance. The overlap is an impediment to fulfilling the Kluane First Nation Final Agreement, including the Council's mandate as laid out in 16.6.1 of the Kluane First Nation Final Agreement.

Also, the Council has been caught between the Kluane First Nation's interpretation of White River First Nation's role in the Kluane First Nation Core Area and the federal government's interpretation of White River First Nation's role in the Kluane First Nation Core Area. The reality of these contradicting interpretations has presented situations of challenge for the Council.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Laberge Renewable Resources Council participates in submissions to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board, the Yukon Water Board, and land applications. This is done to sustain the land for future generations.

Laberge Renewable Resources Council attends meetings of the Yukon River Panel and the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council to talk about international issues related to salmon. The Laberge Renewable Resources Council continued with its project for Shallow Bay, sharing the cost of an environmental and land use data gap analysis with Ta'an Kwäch'än Council. The Laberge Renewable Resources Council attended meetings on energy, elk, caribou and moose, and spent a great deal of time working on the Southern Lakes Forest Resources Management Plan. The Laberge Renewable Resources Council sent a request to the Yukon Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources for an emergency ban of off-road vehicles on all new trails in several zones; unfortunately, it was not acted on. The Laberge Renewable Resources Council worked with other renewable resources councils on issues that affect the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council Traditional Territory.

The biggest challenge over the years has to do with the fact that Ta'an Kwäch'än Council Traditional Territory almost completely overlaps those of other First Nations. This affects trapping, forest and land use planning efforts. The other main challenge is trying to establish off-road vehicle legislation in the Yukon. Ta'an Kwäch'än Council hopes that once this legislation is in place it will help to protect fish and wildlife and their habitat.

Laberge Renewable Resources Council hopes to continue its efforts to protect fish and wildlife and their habitat in Ta'an Kwäch'än Council Traditional Territory in the years to come.

Activities 2012 to 2017

The Mayo District Renewable Resources Council reviewed applications for land use, including mining, forestry, farming and residential uses. The Council also reviewed new and revised territorial regulatory documents and met with government delegates and the community.

The Mayo District Renewable Resources Council hosted community meetings to present issues and hear local views, and attended other meetings around the territory related to its mandate. The Council met annually with the other renewable resources councils to compare and collaborate on areas of common interest and concern.

The Council worked with the community and the First Nation of Nacho Nyäk Dun to update the work plans for the local habitat protection area and community-based fish and wildlife.

In 2012 the Mayo District Renewable Resources Council hosted the Renewable Resources Council Annual General Meeting in Whitehorse.

In 2014 and 2016, the Council hosted the Mayo District Renewable Resources Council Day, bringing in government representatives that the Council works with to mingle and converse about mutual issues and concerns. The fun atmosphere encouraged everyone to participate, especially youth and children.

In 2015 the Mayo District Renewable Resources Council held a one-day training session for Council members on topics such as the Council's mandate, policies and procedures, and financial responsibilities. The Ethel Lake voluntary no-hunt program seems to be working; herd and calf survival numbers are slowly climbing.

Challenges

The Yukon Energy Corporation hydro facility and changes to the Mayo Lake and river are an ever-present concern for the Council. Issues include changes to the drawdown of reserve water from the lake over the years and requests for further footage, and more and more harvest pressure on the lake fish due to salmon restrictions, resulting in fish populations being stressed.

The government challenges and court case related to the Peel watershed land use plan have meant that without a plan in place, land use and mining applications near the area are a concern.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Teslin Renewable Resources Council was represented on a working group with the Teslin Tlingit Council and Yukon Forest Management Branch to work on the development of a Timber Harvest Plan for the Traditional Territory. The forest research project concluded in 2016 and information gathered will be used to assist with the harvest plan.

As partners in the Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife Area, the Teslin Renewable Resources Council and the Teslin Tlingit Council continued to work with Canadian Wildlife Services on matters related to the delta area. Regular monitoring trips into the area take place annually and, in 2014, the Resources Council sponsored a day trip into the area for elders and schoolchildren.

The Yukon Outfitters Association and Teslin Tlingit Council continued to offer financial incentives to trappers who focus on harvesting wolves on their trap lines. In November 2015 a trappers' evening and supper was hosted by the Teslin Renewable Resources Council, which was attended by approximately 75 trappers and their families. The Resources Council had designed new trail signs for the trappers, which were handed out at the dinner. In 2016 Teslin Renewable Resources Council provided financial assistance to hold trapping camp for children during the school spring break.

Teslin Renewable Resources Council provides some financial support to the Teslin Lake Bird Observatory on an annual basis. In 2016 the Council had signage constructed for the observatory to make the public aware of its location.

In 2016 the Resources Council began a two-year study of lake trout in Teslin Lake. Biologists conducted studies on the various groups of trout found in the lake, identifying spawning grounds, tagging fish and collecting DNA to help determine fish populations and movement in the lake.

Success

Every June, the Teslin Renewable Resources Council hosts a barbeque and information session for Teslin community members and other interested parties.

The event is always very well attended, with as many as 150 people at times.

With funding assistance from Environment Canada, Teslin Renewable Resources Council was able to design, construct and install two signs at Johnson's Crossing to educate the public on the spring staging areas for swans in the Teslin River.

Teslin Renewable Resources Council sponsors youth activities on the land such as a spring beaver hunt, salmon education and restoration, and trapping.

Activities 2012 to 2017

The Board facilitated one successful mediation, which saw the participants continue with further negotiations to resolve the issue.

On learning that a dispute was going to court, the Board contacted the parties and outlined the advantages of the mediation process under Chapter 26 of the Umbrella Final Agreement. The parties declined this offer because they felt the courts would provide a more clear answer on matters of interpretation.

The Board met with representatives of the Teslin Tlingit Council Peacemaker program to share information about their respective dispute resolution processes.

The Dispute Resolution Board fielded enrollment queries, referred individuals to the appropriate offices, and received enrollment records from First Nations.

The Board hosted a two-day Mediators Clinic for its mediators and arbitrators to explore how the mediation process should proceed under Chapter 26.

The Board hosted a one-day workshop on the Enrollment Appeals Process. The workshop covered the process under Chapters 3 and 26 of the Umbrella Final Agreement; the history of the Yukon land claim; fair adjudication; and common law rules, principles and processes; and provided a guide to the enrollment appeals process. This workshop was attended by decision-makers for Yukon land claim enrollment.

The Board chair and employee attend the yearly Council of Yukon First Nations General Assembly to distribute information and meet the attendees. The chair attended the "Keeping the Promise" conference hosted by the Land Claims Agreements Coalition in Ottawa, and participated in the plenary sessions on dispute resolution within modern treaties.

The Board's employee attended Council of Yukon First Nations' Enrollment Forum and Summit to present the history of the Yukon land claims enrollment records and to outline the Dispute Resolution Board's responsibility for the enrollment appeal process under Chapters 3 and 26.

The Board members and employee attended the Umbrella Final Agreement Boards and Committees Forum hosted by the Land Use Planning Council. The forum provided an opportunity for participants to learn from one another and find out how to coordinate their activities.

The Board has begun the consultation process with the signatories to the land claims agreements regarding adopting arbitration rules.

Successes

The Board hosted a two-day symposium that covered the history, spirit and intent of the Yukon land claim and ways to activate mediation under Chapter 26 of the Umbrella Final Agreement. This was attended by representatives of Yukon First Nations, Canada, and Yukon, Dispute Resolution Board mediators and arbitrators and members of another board.

Challenges

The Board was without appointed members twice during the five-year reporting period: from January 14, 2012 to September 28, 2012; and from September 27, 2015 to January 25, 2016. The Board notified the Parties that the office was inactive at these times; the Board's employee continued to maintain the office. The Board retained a law firm to administer its funds to ensure that the office lease continued and the enrollment records were housed. In addition, one term appointment was vacant from September 27, 2015 to March 29, 2017.

With the Board appointments made in 2016 and 2017, the Parties to the Umbrella Final Agreement implemented overlapping term lengths of the three board members to ensure that appointments will always be in place.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Trustees have worked on updating the Yukon Indian Peoples Training Trust Agreement so that it is more aligned with the intention of the Umbrella Final Agreement.

Trustees of Yukon Indian Peoples Training Trust funded the following Yukon First Nation training projects:

1. Participation in a restorative justice conference;
2. A language immersion program for Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;
3. Training in records and information management for Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Teslin Tlingit Council;
4. Yukon First Nations Land Registry Training Project;
5. Development of a cultural orientation workshop for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in;
6. Training for Yukon First Nation emerging leaders through the Our Voices initiative;
7. Training in Indigenous leadership and management for Ta'an Kwäch'än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation;
8. Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Teaching and Working Farm;
9. Carcross/Tagish First Nation's Transitional Employment and Youth Training Program;
10. Financial training for Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation;
11. Training in communications and media for the Council of Yukon First Nations; and
12. Training in Microsoft Office software for Carcross/Tagish First Nation.

The Training Policy Committee completed a literature review to take a comprehensive look at what has been written about the process of rebuilding nations, including the essential training areas, and the best training models and approaches for Yukon First Nations to adapt and use. The goal was to provide Yukon First Nations with well-researched rationale they can reference when planning for training and applying for related funding.

The report focuses on the five areas where Yukon First Nations can achieve their visions and overcome the challenges they face: governance; economic development; capital; leadership; and community engagement.

It outlines three approaches to assessing training needs that are adaptable to a Yukon First Nation context and have been effective in similar Indigenous contexts: strength-based; community-led development; and geographic information system mapping.

The report aims to equip Yukon First Nations with ideas to design innovative and meaningful training plans and programs. The range of approaches demonstrates that training needs to be community centered, forward thinking, and adaptable to the needs of each First Nation.

In 2015–16 the Training Policy Committee completed a baseline assessment of people who work for Yukon First Nation governments. The assessment evaluated their training needs, the challenges they face, best practices in providing training opportunities, and what supports would best serve Yukon First Nation training initiatives. Data was collected over a six-month period.

The assessment report was intended to be a tool to develop Yukon First Nation capacity and training initiatives by creating action plans to facilitate change. The assessment measured factors such as who Yukon First Nation workers are; workloads; stresses related to jobs and expectations; and the major challenges to professional development for Yukon First Nation workers. Challenges include the need to learn essential skills, the high cost of training, including travel and accommodation, and the difficulties of getting out of the office for training.

The information gathered and the recommendations that came out of this assessment will inform the work of the Training Policy Committee.

Resources

• The Yukon First Nation Literature Review will be available electronically on www.wayfinderyukon.ca
• The Baseline Assessment of Yukon First Nation Government Workers is available on request at: tpced@tpcyukon.ca

Out of respect for the people who participated in the research, the Committee will share the report only with people or organizations who have been briefed on the context of the information.

Activities 2012 to 2017

The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board received 1,042 project proposals and completed close to 1,000 assessments. Most of these assessments were conducted by the Board's six designated offices. The Executive Committee completed four screenings: Eagle Gold Mine, Mactung Mine, Yukon Energy Corporation's Natural Gas Conversion Project, and the Stewart to Keno Power Transmission Line. The Casino, Coffee Gold and Kudz Ze Kayah mine projects were all submitted to the Executive Committee for screenings and the Casino Mine Project was subsequently referred to the first-ever review by a panel of the Board. To date no panel has been established.

The Board continued to develop guidance for project proponents, clarifying aspects of the assessment process and information requirements. The Board also focused on building internal capacity through guidance and training for assessment staff, providing training in organized reasoning to support structured and defensible conclusions in assessment reports.

The Board began work on the development of a framework for determining the significance of adverse environmental and socio-economic effects, and circulated a draft interpretive bulletin on the assessment methodology under Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act for public review and comment.

The Board conducted more than 50 random audits of evaluation reports and developed a framework for reviewing screening reports. A project proposal checklist was developed for Executive Committee screenings in order to provide greater certainty in determining whether a proposal is complete.

A conceptual design for the pre-submission phase of projects being submitted to the Executive Committee was developed to facilitate early engagement of the project proponents, First Nations and communities potentially affected by a project, regulators and assessors. Consultation with governments and industry indicated strong support for a pre-submission process.

The Board also initiated work on the development of a governance framework to provide clarity on the mandate of the organization, its structure, roles and responsibilities, and the relationship between the Board and administration.

The Board partnered with the Government of Yukon, First Nations, and the Yukon Water Board on the Mine Licensing Improvement Initiative.

The Board continued its outreach efforts through regular meetings with decision bodies and industry associations, information sessions, and participation in conferences and workshops. Community meetings between Board members and First Nations' leadership resumed in 2015.

The average time required to complete assessments has remained constant or decreased slightly for most sectors, despite increasing demands and expectations of the assessment process.

The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board developed and published the following policies and guides:

1. Temporal Scoping Policy;
2. Geohazards and Risk: A Proponent's Guide to Linear Infrastructure;
3. Model Documentation Guide; and
4. Consultation Guidance for Proponents.

The Board also completed work on the following information products:

1. Proponent's Guide: Completing a Forestry Project Proposal;
2. Project Proposal Form: Forestry;
3. Proponent's Guide: Completing a Land Disposition Project Proposal; and
4. Project Proposal Form: Land Dispositions.

The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board, along with federal, territorial and First Nation governments, participated in eight Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act forums. Participants explored opportunities for pursuing the recommendations from the five-year review of the Act.

The Board participated in discussions on proposed amendments to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act through the Yukon and Nunavut Regulatory Improvement Act (41st Parliament) and Bill C-17 (An Act to amend the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act, passed during the 42nd Parliament), offering advice on the operational implications of proposed changes. As a neutral and independent body, the Board did not take policy positions on the proposed amendments.

Over a period of 30 months, the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board successfully positioned itself to implement amendments to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act made through the Yukon and Nunavut Regulatory Improvement Act and Bill C-17.

Challenges

Key challenges and opportunities moving forward include:

1. Continuing to define the assessment framework under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act through, for example, the elaboration of a clear assessment methodology and framework for determining the significance of adverse effects;
2. Developing and implementing a pre-submission engagement process for Executive Committee screenings that enables early scoping of projects and assessments and provides proponents and other participants in the assessment process with greater certainty;
3. Exploring means of enabling designated offices to dedicate more of their time and resources to the evaluation of higher risk projects;
4. Undertaking Yukon's first-ever panel review;
5. Continuing to work with governments to define the relationship between the assessment and regulatory review processes and to clarify roles and responsibilities in fully meeting the purposes of the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act; and,
6. Working with the federal, territorial and First Nations governments to understand and clarify how the assessment process can inform Crown consultation.

Resources

• Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board Online Registry
• Proponent guides and other information resources

Activities 2012 to 2017

The Board reviewed more than 100 proposed regulation changes for the Yukon Wildlife Act. This was a two-year process that the Board undertook with the Yukon Department of Environment.

The Board conducted many outreach and engagement activities, including facilitating public review of regulation changes and wildlife plans, attending open houses, and participation in conferences and national and international meetings.

In 2015, the Board worked as a partner on the update to the Management Plan for Elk in the Yukon, including bringing the plan to public review and recommending the final plan to the Yukon Minister of Environment.

From 2015 to 2017, the Board worked extensively as a partner on the development of the Grizzly Bear Conservation Plan, which included working with First Nations, Government of Yukon, Renewable Resources Councils, other relevant experts, and the public. The Grizzly Bear Conservation Plan will be reviewed by the public and recommended to the Yukon Minister of Environment in 2018.

The Board remains an active representative in many other fish and wildlife management groups, including the Wood Bison Technical Team, the Elk Technical Team, and the 40 Mile Caribou Working Group.

With direction from the Trapper Working Group, the Board administered a project to enhance Yukon's trapping culture and industry, which ran from 2012 to 2017. The project was a great success: it improved participants' pelt handling skills, and allowed us to give money back to trappers to offset auction house fees and give awards for fur quality.

The Board continued to administer a scholarship for post-secondary students, renamed in 2014 as the Alex Van Bibber Sharing the Land Scholarship. In 2016 the scholarship was updated to award two $1,000 prizes.

The Board has seen improved relationships with federal departments, specifically the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, during the review of the changes to the federal Fisheries Act (ongoing since 2016).

A major project the Board remained committed to working on is amending the Yukon Wildlife Act to bring it into conformity with the spirit and intent of the Yukon First Nation Final Agreements. To that end, the Board continued to work with the Yukon Department of Environment to refine and improve transparency and accountability within the process to change Yukon Wildlife Act Regulations.

Emerging issues that the Board was concerned about included access management (specifically, the Yukon Resource Gateway Project), wild sheep health and domestic sheep containment, and reviewing the angling and fisheries management system in the Yukon.

Resources

• Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board Annual Reports from 2010–17 and other publications

Activities 2012 to 2017

The Board held three meetings each year. The primary focus of Board meetings is to review place name applications and decide whether to recommend them for approval by the Yukon Minister of Tourism and Culture. The number and nature of submissions vary from year to year.

Most place name applications reviewed by the Board during this period were submitted by Yukon First Nations. Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Teslin Tlingit Council, Trondëk Hwëch'in and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation were the primary contributors. In addition, a number of applications for names in the Peel River watershed in northern Yukon were received from the Tetlit Gwich'in of Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories. Whenever possible, the Board asks fluent elders from the respective geographical area to assist in reviewing any proposed names, and to provide the correct pronunciation, background and meaning of each proposed name.

The Board attempts to compile photo documentation for those place names it recommends for approval by the Minister. Aerial photo documentation using a helicopter was carried out in September 2012, August 2014, and March 2017.

The Board arranged to have approximately 17,000 slides professionally digitized. The slides show geographical features for which the Board had previously received applications.

The Board was pleased to receive a visit from the Yukon Minister of Tourism and Culture and the Director of Cultural Services at its February 2014 meeting. Board members provided an overview of the review process and explained the rationale for recommending both official and alternate place names.

The Geographic Names Board of Canada holds national meetings in various regions of the country on a rotating basis. In September 2012 one of the co-chairs and one member of the Yukon Geographical Place Names Board attended the national meeting in Quebec City.

In April 2015, one of the Board's co-chairs and two Board members travelled to Anchorage, Alaska to attend and present at a conference of the Council of Geographic Names Authorities. The Yukon delegation gave a presentation about the methodology for naming geographical features in Yukon. The presentation was well received and participants asked many follow-up questions about the naming process and use of First Nation place names in Yukon.

Successes

The Board's website was upgraded. It is an excellent tool for educating the public, with sound file recordings of First Nation names being spoken and photographs of the corresponding geographical feature. The site was updated to make it more accessible by handheld devices and to accommodate the full range of spelling requirements of Yukon First Nation languages.

Challenges

In August 2014 well-respected member Monty Alford passed away. Monty was a retired federal hydrographer and mountaineer and had served on the Board since 2003. His knowledge of the territory's mountains and rivers had been a great resource for the Board, and his kind and wise presence is missed.

Activities 2012 to 2017

The Yukon Heritage Resources Board's activities focused on ensuring implementation of core operations and mandated activities, including its decision-making function, per the relevant legislation; and on increasing engagement and involvement with the Governments of Yukon, Canada and Yukon First Nations.

The Board worked to increase awareness of its mandate, and of the overall profile of heritage in the Yukon; to enhance Board member knowledge of Yukon culture, heritage and implementation to facilitate provision of informed and relevant recommendations to the Parties; and to ensure that Board operations are efficient, appropriate, current and relevant.

The Yukon Heritage Resources Board formally adopted the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Principles of Reconciliation in making recommendations, and will refer to the Principles and the Calls to Action in its recommendations and correspondence, as applicable.

The Board encouraged the Parties to continue discussions and activities related to the development of a manual, per Section 13.5.3.6 of the Final Agreements, to facilitate the management of the Yukon's heritage resources within the framework of the Final Agreements, and provided related input and recommendations to the Parties.

The Board received updates from the Parties on the development, finalization and implementation of First Nation heritage acts and on development of intergovernmental heritage management agreements, per Section 13.3.8 of the Final Agreements, providing input as requested; and continued discussions with the Parties to clarify its mandate and responsibilities under Sections 13.3.2.1 and 13.3.6 of the Final Agreements and in regard to access to related funding.

The Board participated in a variety of training initiatives, conferences, information sessions, and heritage community events to further Board member understanding of the Yukon Heritage Resources Board's mandate and enable them to continue providing informed and relevant recommendations to the Parties; and undertook specialized training to ensure that members are prepared to address the decision-making responsibilities set out in Sections 13.3.2.1 and 13.3.6 of the Final Agreements.

The Yukon Heritage Resources Board recommended to the Government of Yukon that it initiate the development of regulations related to the management of paleontological resources under the territory's Historic Resources Act and consistent with the objectives, mandates and guidance of the Yukon First Nations Final Agreements. The Board reviewed nominations and made recommendations on Historic Site designation for the wreck of the A.J. Goddard, Old Log Church and Rectory, and the Watson Lake Sign Post Forest, and participated in designation ceremonies for these sites.

The Board reviewed and made recommendations on draft management plans for Kusawa Park and Klondike National Historic Sites; and reviewed and made recommendations on updating of public documents related to nominating sites for Historic Site designation.

Activities also included submitting information requests and receiving updates from the Government of Canada with regard to heritage management planning for the Keno Hill mining district, and reviewing and making recommendations on the draft plan; reviewing specific updates and information on management planning processes for the Conrad and Lansing Post Heritage Sites and the community of Carcross; and making recommendations regarding consultation about, conservation of, and planning for the historic Ross River suspension bridge.

The Board made recommendations to the Government of Yukon related to policies, strategies, communications and funding for museums and cultural centers; participated in an ex-officio and observer capacity on the territory's Museums Advisory Committee and in annual museums and cultural centre roundtables; and recommended to Canada that it identify alternative funding for small Yukon archives affected by the termination of the National Archival Development Program in 2012.

The Board also engaged in outreach activities:

1. presenting and hosting at conferences, Gold Show, General Assemblies, open houses, cultural events and Culture Days;
2. distributing a variety of informational and promotional materials and updating its website, brochures and information panels; and
3. working with partners to organize the Heritage Fairs program as a way to foster appreciation for Yukon history and heritage among youth.

The Board carried out these activities satisfactorily and met all the requirements of its Transfer Payment Funding Agreements, while adjusting to new financial and budgetary procedures enacted by the Government of Yukon. It initiated and completed development and implementation of its new strategic plan to guide activities and budgeting into 2021; and continued to update its policies and procedures to streamline internal operations, provide guidance for Board members and staff, facilitate communications, and align activities with the Board's mandate.

The Board reviewed and made recommendations annually regarding allocation of funding through the Yukon Historic Resources Fund program; and reviewed and made recommendations regarding Yukon Historic Resources Fund program documents, administration, public relations and advertising, and fund enhancement and management.

The Board received regular updates on national and international historic site designation efforts for Yukon sites; and tracked regional and national heritage issues through regular engagement with governments; territorial, regional and national heritage organizations; and the public.

The Board continued to experience difficulties related to training access and assistance, overall funding levels and inflexibility, inability of funding allocations to reflect Board appointment schedules, and inadequacy of funding and funding access procedures related to the Board's decision-making mandate.

Successes

The Yukon Heritage Resources Board has continued to engage the Parties around a variety of implementation issues, helping to ensure that Chapter 13 obligations are addressed through the development of documents, agreements and relationships that improve and facilitate appropriate heritage management in the Yukon, and move toward full implementation of the Final Agreements.

The Board is further encouraged that the Parties have begun engaging in discussions related to its decision-making mandate under the Final Agreements. Since 2007, when the Yukon Heritage Resources Board developed its Rules of Procedure for undertaking this mandate and initiated related consultation with the Parties, the Board has sought codification of a process to obtain adequate funding for carrying out this function, should it be called upon to do so. Responses from the Parties have been intermittent, without much clarity or certainty established.

More recent discussions have resulted in acknowledgement of, and increased clarity about, the nature and obligations of this mandate and the associated procedures, as well as the potential complexities and implications of its implementation. It is anticipated that planned future discussions will result in a more comprehensive understanding among the Parties about this mandate and increased certainty about the Yukon Heritage Resources Board's access to essential related resources.

Resources

• Yukon Heritage Resources Board Publications
• Yukon Heritage Resources Board Rules of Procedure for Determining Ownership of Heritage Resources under Chapter 13 of Yukon First Nation Final Agreements

Activities 2012 to 2017

Successes

Successes in the reporting included implementation of the North Yukon Regional Land Use Plan, identification of core Chapter 11 interpretation issues, three regional planning workshops and conferences, and one gathering of Umbrella Final Agreement Boards and Committees.

Challenges

The court cases related to the approval of the Peel watershed land use plan prevented the advancement of regional plans, since the signatories to the land claim agreements did not want more plans produced while the approval process was uncertain.

Regional planning processes are hindered by the uncertain role of Yukon First Nations without settlement agreements, and of transboundary First Nations without settlement agreements and with traditional territories in the Yukon; the lack of response and ratification procedures for Yukon Land Use Planning Council recommendations; and uncertainty with respect to the long-term existence of regional commissions.

Resources

• Yukon Land Use Planning Council website contains updates on current activities and annual reports
• Challenges Associated with Implementing Chapter 11-Regional Land Use Planning, October 2016
• A Source Book for Commission Members, Yukon Land Use Planning Council, V. 1, 2010
• Our Land, Our Vision: a video on regional planning in the Yukon, 2011

Activities 2012 to 2017

The Board accomplished many implementation activities to create a smooth process for the public while adhering to the spirit and intent of legislation, the Umbrella Final Agreement Implementation Plan, and the principles of law.

Successes

The following key successes occurred over the last five fiscal years:

1. participated in developing new regulations that provide Board jurisdiction to interpret provisions of the certain sections of laws of the Legislature of Yukon conferring rights of access for the purpose of exercising a mineral right;
2. identified additional jurisdictions of the Board in relation to particular parcels of settlement land within individual Yukon First Nation Final Agreements that would legislate duties of the Board by identification in regulations;
3. implemented changes to legislation such as securing the services of a new auditor as the Office of the Auditor General of Canada was no longer required to perform the duties of auditing the Board's financial statements; and,
4. on November 14, 2016, the Board rejected Application 2016-001, an application by placer miners in Dawson City who were trying to remove homes in the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in subdivision in order to mine the subsurface. The miners had staked claims in the 1970s and 1980s, before Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in had a Final Agreement.

Some of the land is now First Nation Settlement Land, and approximately 40 families live in the area. In rejecting the application, the Board chair said the miners had failed to negotiate meaningfully with the First Nation before asking the board to intercede. According to Section 26(1) of the Yukon Surface Right Board Act.

Resources

• File 2016-001 and Decision
• Brochure
• Fact Sheet
• 2016–17 Annual Report

Activities 2012 to 2017

Energy, Mines and Resources

Community Services

The Government of Yukon worked with First Nations, Canada and municipalities to support upgrades and construction of community infrastructure through the Gas Tax, Building Canada, Small Communities and Clean Water and Wastewater funds.

The Government of Yukon continues to work with First Nations to provide emergency management planning.

Economic Development

The Government of Yukon worked closely with Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, the City of Dawson and Canada to finalize a regional economic development plan related to Chapter 22 of the Final Agreements. The plan was signed by the Parties on August 11, 2015.

In 2015–16 the Government of Yukon worked with Yukon Information Technology Industry Society to host a First Nation information technology conference focusing on the IT needs of First Nation governments.

The Government of Yukon supported a number of First Nation projects through the Regional Economic Development, Community Development, Enterprise Trade and Strategic Industries funds.

Education

Beginning in 2013, the Government of Yukon worked with Canada, Yukon First Nations and the Council of Yukon First Nations to develop and implement the Joint Education Action Plan. The plan recognizes First Nations' jurisdiction in education and focuses on cultural inclusion and collaboration to close academic achievement gaps.

The Government of Yukon entered into education agreements with Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in in 2013, Kluane First Nation in 2015, and with Carcross/Tagish First Nation and the First Nation of Nacho Nyäk Dun in 2016. These agreements outline joint communication and participation on curriculum development, school programming and staffing.

The Government of Yukon supported the Kwanlin Dün House of Learning to provide upgrading; employment and trade-specific training, certifications and tickets; career and personal counselling, personal growth programs; and capacity building for Kwanlin Dün citizens.

The government maintained informal partnerships with Little Salmon/Carmacks, Selkirk and Nacho Nyäk Dun First Nations to facilitate the development of educational resource material development from a Northern Tutchone perspective. Traditional story "Dooli" booklets, posters, a DVD, a Potlatch resource and a land claims booklet have been developed.

The Government of Yukon supports several Yukon First Nation experiential learning programs including the CHAOS (Community, Heritage, Adventure, Outdoors and Skills) program offered to Grade 9 and 10 students, Rural Experiential Model, and carving training in partnership with Northern Cultural Expressions Society.

The Government of Yukon amended the Student Financial Assistance Act to increase First Nations students' eligibility.

Environment

There are collaborative fish and wildlife monitoring and management systems in place with various First Nations as well as Habitat Protection Area and Special Management Area plans.

The Government of Yukon worked with First Nations to develop the Yukon Water Strategy from 2012 to 2014.

The Government of Yukon worked in collaboration with First Nations to develop and manage several campgrounds including Conrad.

The Government of Yukon developed park management plans collaboratively with First Nations for the Kusawa, Asi Keyi, Daadzaii Van parks.

The Government of Yukon jointly managed the Tombstone, and Ni'iinlii Njik (Fishing Branch) Territorial Parks with First Nations.

Justice

The Government of Yukon is working with Canada and Teslin Tlingit Council to implement an Administration of Justice Agreement. The Government of Yukon is also discussing innovative Administration of Justice models with Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Canada.

In 2017, the Government of Yukon, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Canada finalized a first-of-its-kind land registration amendment to the First Nation's Self-Government Agreement. The Government of Yukon also amended its Land Titles Act to enable the registration of leases on Settlement Land.

In 2016, the government provided $1.4 million in funding support to the Kwanlin Dün First Nation for their Community Safety Liaison Officer pilot project.

The Government of Yukon continued to work with First Nations to implement the recommendations of Sharing Common Ground, the 2010 police review, which included participation on the Community Safety Committee.

The Government of Yukon supported a variety of community justice and Aboriginal court worker projects with First Nations.

The Government of Yukon supported the Council of Yukon First Nations to provide reintegration assistance to offenders returning to their communities.

Public Service Commission

The Government of Yukon renewed its Representative Public Service Plan in 2014 and continues to implement the plan in collaboration with First Nations, including recruitment, cross-government employment postings, promotion of temporary assignment exchanges between the Government of Yukon and First Nations governments, and increasing Yukon First Nation preference hires. Aboriginal representation in the Government of Yukon work force is approximately 14%.

The Government of Yukon maintained several programs to develop Aboriginal employees including a dedicated career counselor, career counselling workshops, an Aboriginal Development Program, and the Aboriginal Recruitment and Development Program.

Tourism and Culture

The Government of Yukon continued to provide funding support to the Yukon First Nation Culture and Tourism Association and to Yukon First Nation Cultural Heritage Centers.

The government continued to work with a number of First Nations to research, protect and provide educational materials on heritage resources including the ice patch, the Ni'iinlii Njik Caves, burial sites, and exhibits on archaeology.

The Government of Yukon co-owns and manages several historic sites with First Nations including Rampart House, Forty Mile, Fort Selkirk, Conrad Historic Site, and Lansing Historic Site.

The Government of Yukon has supported training and projects to restore and provide public information on a variety of Historic Sites.

Highways and Public Works

From 2012 to 2017, the Government of Yukon concluded 11 Yukon Asset Construction Agreements with Kwanlin Dün First Nation and one with Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Examples of projects completed under these agreements include a continuing care facility, community fire hall, drug and alcohol treatment center and a bridge.

Health and Social

The Government of Yukon funded liaison and family support positions for many First Nations to support child and family welfare.

The government regularly met with the First Nations Health Commission to discuss areas of collaboration.

The Government of Yukon worked with First Nations to develop a ten-year Mental Wellness Strategy in 2016.

Successes

Challenges

The interpretation of the regional land use planning process laid out in the Final Agreements was a key challenge during this time period. The Peel land use planning process was brought to the Supreme Court of Canada for a ruling. This conflict strained relations between the Government of Yukon and First Nations. This lead to the parties reengaging and developing a greater certainty and understanding of land use planning, and best practices for working together to meet the objectives of Chapter 11.

Resources

• Yukon First Nation Self-Government
• Capacity Assessment Tool
• Mental Wellness Strategy 2016-2026: Forward Together
• Yukon Forum
• Intergovernmental Declaration
• Joint Education Action Plan
• Yukon Heritage Planning
• Kusawa Park Steering Committee
• Asi Keyi Natural Environment Park
• Secrets From The Ice

Administration of Justice Negotiations Advance

The governments of Canada, Yukon and Teslin Tlingit Council continue to negotiate the implementation funding of the enforcement and corrections components of their Administration of Justice Agreement, as per section 13 of the Yukon First Nations Self-Government Agreements.

From 2012–17, Canada and Yukon signed Administration of Justice Framework Agreements with Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, and Kluane First Nation. Substantive tripartite negotiations have proceeded with Kwanlin Dün First Nation, and in 2016, the Kwanlin Dün First Nation negotiation table was formally recognized as a Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Table. The goal of these tables is to bring greater flexibility to negotiations based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. They provide a forum for Canada and Indigenous groups to explore new ideas and ways to reach agreements that will recognize the rights of Indigenous groups and advance their vision of self-determination for the benefit of their communities and all Canadians.

Administration of Justice Agreement negotiations with other self-governing Yukon First Nations are at varying preliminary stages.

Umbrella Final Agreement Implementation Plan Renewal

There was successful negotiation for the ten year renewal of the Umbrella Final Agreement Implementation Plan and each individual First Nation Final Agreement Implementation Plan. This negotiation involved Canada, Government of Yukon, Council of Yukon First Nation and each individual self-governing Yukon First Nation. It renewed implementation funding in order to continue to meet Canada's objective of ongoing implementation of the Final and Self-Government Agreements.

Making Strides in Programs and Service Transfers

In Yukon, Programs and Services Transfer Agreements are negotiated in accordance with a process established by Yukon First Nation Self-Government Agreements (section 17). These agreements enable a self-governing Yukon First Nation to assume responsibility for federal or territorial programs falling within its jurisdiction.

During the reporting period many successful Programs and Services Transfer Agreements were negotiated, either as a group or individually, depending on the program or community interest. Post-Secondary Education was taken on by Selkirk First Nation, which brought the total number of program transfers for this particular program to nine of eleven self-governing Yukon First Nations. The Aboriginal Language Initiative from Canadian Heritage was renewed twice during the reporting period with all self-governing Yukon First Nations.

In the last year of the reporting period, a successful negotiation was completed for the transfer of the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy, Maternal Child Health and Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative programs to all self-governing Yukon First Nations for the ongoing assumption of responsibility for these programs to their respective communities.

Self-Government Financial Transfer Agreements

The Financial Transfer Agreement with Carcross/Tagish First Nation was renewed on April 1, 2014 with a term ending in 2020, along with Ta'an Kwäch'än Council, Kluane First Nation and Kwanlin Dün First Nation.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, First Nation of Nacho Nyäk Dun, Teslin Tlingit Council, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation, Selkirk First Nation and Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in are actively engaged in Financial Transfer Agreement renewal negotiations. Their agreements, which came into effect April 1, 2010, had a five year tenure. This was extended by two years and subsequently extended until March 31, 2018.

In May 2016, representatives from the Government of Canada and self-governing Indigenous governments from across Canada met to initiate a collaborative process aimed at renewing the fiscal relationship. The process had an initial six-month timeline until December 2016. Following positive and constructive dialogue in 2016, Canada and the self-governing Indigenous governments agreed to continue the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process (the "Collaborative Process") in 2017. This is a unique approach in developing a new federal fiscal policy for consideration by the Government of Canada. Ten of the eleven self-governing Yukon First Nations are active participants in the Collaborative Process.

Senior Financial Arrangements Committee

During the reporting period, the Senior Financial Arrangements Committee, comprised of representatives from Canada and each self-governing Yukon First Nation, worked to improve and streamline financial reporting for the Financial Transfer Agreements. Collaborative efforts were made to align financial reporting methods for all self-governing Yukon First Nations, and to correct any errors that may have occurred due to past inconsistent reporting methods. The Committee also worked to develop best practices, such as internal checks, in order to achieve better clarity and consistency moving forward.

Update on Modern Treaty Implementation

During the reporting period, officials from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada on behalf of the Government of Canada, participated in, and act as co-chairs of, the Implementation Working Group, a forum comprised of implementation representatives from the governments of all self-governing Yukon First Nations, Canada, Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations. The forum met regularly via teleconference and in-person to discuss and advance implementation matters common to all the Parties. The Implementation Working Group also worked collaboratively to develop Terms of Reference to formalize the working group, and a draft was completed in March 2017.

In 2016, a land exchange amendment to the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Final Agreement was completed and signed by Canada, Yukon and Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in. This comes after many years of collaborative tripartite discussions. The completion of the land exchange and Final Agreement amendment demonstrates the ability of all Parties to work together in the spirit and intent of the treaties to resolve implementation issues.

Chapter 22 of the Yukon First Nation Final Agreements on Economic Development Measures requires a full and complete review of the effectiveness of the provisions of the chapter to be carried out in 2010 by Canada, Yukon and each self-governing Yukon First Nation. In a memorandum of agreement dated December 10, 2010, these parties agreed it was not possible to carry out the review within the prescribed timeframe, and mutually agreed the review would move ahead in 2015. Since this time, a Terms of Reference has been developed outlining methodology, governance and key information to be used in undertaking the review, which is still ongoing.

In February 2016, the Prime Minister announced the Government of Canada would move to more open, transparent and merit-based selection processes for selecting Governor in Council appointments to ensure the integrity of public institutions. Since the announcement, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Yukon Region revised its process for Ministerial appointments, including those to boards, councils and committees created under the Umbrella Final Agreement, to align with these transparent and merit-based criteria, while striving to complete appointment processes in a timely manner.

Intergovernmental Affairs

Governance and capacity conferences were hosted by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations in February 2012, February 2013 and February 2014. The conferences focused on governance, capacity building, economic development and education.

The Intergovernmental Forum, which was established in 2002, provides an opportunity for the governments of Canada, Yukon and self-governing Yukon First nations to address matters related to the implementation of land claim and self-government agreements, discuss areas of mutual interest and advance intergovernmental relationships. During the reporting period the Intergovernmental Forum took place in April 2016 and March 2017.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Between 2012 and 2014, Yukon First Nation government employees participated in a variety of learning opportunities provided by Canada School of Public Service in Whitehorse. These included Supervisory Skills, Managing Performance Issues, Facilitation Skills, Project Management, Workplace Stress Strategies, and Developing Performance Agreements. The school also invited self-governing Yukon First Nation employees to various local "Lunch and Learn" and Armchair Discussion activities.

In 2016–17, as part of the external engagement strategy for the school's Indigenous Learning Series, Canada School of Public Service met with representatives from self-governing Yukon First Nations to gain their input to inform the development of the series.

The school's local Learning Advisor continued to represent the Government of Canada on the Training Policy Committee and Yukon Indian People Training Trust Fund.

Successes

The Training Policy Committee continues to work toward fulfilling the Canada School of Public Service's mandate to ensure that Yukon First Nations have the capacity to fully implement their self-governing agreements.

The Indigenous Learning Series was developed to ensure that federal public servants achieve the following goals:

1. they understand their duties and obligations;
2. they understand Indigenous peoples' histories, their contemporary experiences and their legal rights; and
3. they foster the creation of respectful relationships and work effectively with Indigenous peoples in delivering relevant policies, programs and services.

Resources

• The Indigenous Learning Series
• Training Policy Committee

Activities 2012 to 2017

Canada Border Services Agency has a somewhat limited role in relation to the implementation of Yukon Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements due to the nature of its mandate.

However, the agency has carried out the following activities:

1. During the reporting period, Canada Border Services Agency worked with its procurement division to ensure that it utilizes First Nation companies listed on the Public Services and Procurement Canada standing offer list where possible; and
2. The agency has held discussions with various First Nations to address border-related issues and to identify solutions to community needs.

Activities 2012 to 2017

The agency completed a Regional Economic Development Plan with Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in in August 2015, and funded several activities that were outlined in the plan in the subsequent fiscal year.

Resources

• Regional Economic Development Plan for the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Traditional Territory Background Reading List

Activities 2012 to 2017

The department's implementation activities continue to address the obligations of Chapter 13 of the individual Yukon First Nation Final Agreements and implementation plans, and remain part of a government-wide approach to responding to treaty implementation obligations in the Yukon. The Department of Canadian Heritage continues to meet its obligations relative to Yukon First Nations' culture and heritage through various program elements available to all Yukon First Nations. Funding decisions are based on proposals that are assessed as promoting heritage and cultural development in Canada.

In the spirit of reconciliation, the department is committed to engaging in and continuing to build new partnerships and strengthening existing ones.

Resources

• Adäka Cultural Festival
• Yukon First Nations Culture & Tourism Association
• Haa Ḵusteeyí Celebration 2017
• Moosehide Gathering, Skookum Jim Friendship Centre

Activities 2012–2013

Joint Task Force (North), in conjunction with the Government of Yukon, conducted the main and final planning conferences for Operation NANOOK 2013 in Whitehorse, which was held in the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in January and June. Both the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Council of Yukon First Nations were engaged during the planning of the planned operation in order to ensure their support.

Activities 2013–2014

Operation NANOOK 2013 was held in the vicinity of Whitehorse in August 2013.

Activities 2014–2015

Joint Task Force (North) extended an invitation to Ta'an Kwäch'än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations to attend the planning meetings for Operation NANOOK 2015. The Commander of Joint Task Force (North) also met with the leadership of both Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations during this time to further support the planning of the operation. Unfortunately, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council were not able to attend these meetings.

Activities 2015–2016

No major operations took place in the Yukon in fiscal year 2015–16.

Activities 2016–2017

The Canadian Armed Forces conducted Operation NANOOK 2016 in the vicinity of Whitehorse, Yukon, in late August and early September 2016. The aim of this operation was to exercise Canada's arctic sovereignty and visibly demonstrate the Canadian Armed Forces' capability to support our municipal, territorial, and federal partners in executing a whole-of-government response to safety situations in the North.

Challenges

Lessons learned for Operation NANOOK 2016 included the need for dedicated and directed consultation and engagement with First Nations during the planning phase of the operation in addition to having First Nations communities represented at planning meetings.

Maximizing economic impact for Indigenous communities and governments has proved challenging due to a lack of capacity. For example, Operation NANOOK sought to award northern and Indigenous contracts for a variety of services, but was unable to do so because of the lack of capacity.

An additional challenge related to the availability of all impacted First Nations to meet with planners and senior leadership in the lead-up to the operation.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Under Section 17 of the Yukon First Nation Self-Government Agreements, Canada is required to negotiate the assumption of responsibility by the First Nations for the management, administration and delivery of labour market development programs. The self-governing Yukon First Nations currently receive funding for Employment and Social Development Canada's Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy through the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Aboriginal Labour Force Alliance.

The department and the self-governing Yukon First Nations have been in discussion for more than a decade on how best to meet the Section 17 obligation and advance a nation-to-nation relationship. More recently, as part of Employment and Social Development Canada's engagement with Indigenous stakeholders toward developing a successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, officials met with self-governing Yukon First Nations in 2016 to discuss potential funding arrangements that would provide greater autonomy over the use of program funds. The self-governing Yukon First Nations outlined their preferred funding approach in a proposal, which requested that the Consolidated Revenue Fund portion of Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy flow directly to them through the Financial Transfer Agreements that they have with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Given statutory requirements, the Employment Insurance Part II funding portion of Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy would continue to be provided by Employment and Social Development Canada as contribution funding. The self-governing Yukon First Nations' proposal aligns with the funding approach that Employment and Social Development Canada plans to pursue with other modern treaty holders and self-government agreement holders over the coming years.

Employment and Social Development Canada and the self-governing Yukon First Nations continue to work towards the implementation of this funding approach.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Successes

The Canadian Wildlife Service co-manages the Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife Area with the Teslin Renewable Resources Council. In 2014, following successful consultation with the Teslin Renewable Resources Council and Teslin Tlingit Council on the modernization of the Wildlife Area Regulations, a revised Management Plan for the area was completed.

Resources

• Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife Area Management Plan

Activities 2012 to 2017

Fisheries and Oceans Canada carried out a range of activities related to implementation:

1. collaborated with First Nations on stock assessment projects, such as the Porcupine River sonar chum and chinook salmon enumeration near Old Crow;
2. annual or biannual salmon management meetings with First Nation government representatives to discuss coordinated salmon management approaches and initiatives;
3. participated in Yukon Salmon Sub Committee meetings and supported its activities, in particular those involving coordinated salmon management actions by First Nation governments;
4. collaborated with the Yukon Salmon Sub Committee in engaging with individual First Nations, providing updates on salmon and information to support local management by First Nations;
5. supporting planning processes for local salmon management by First Nations (e.g., Vuntut Gwitchin Government's community-based management planning process);
6. maintained partnerships and communication with transboundary First Nations through co-management bodies established under the Pacific Salmon Treaty; and
7. facilitated enhanced reporting and engagement of First Nation governments in Pacific Salmon Treaty – Yukon River Panel international salmon management processes.

Activities 2012 to 2017

The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch maintained strong relationships with all self-governing Yukon First Nations and the Council of Yukon First Nations. Effective in the 2016–17 fiscal year, following the renewal of federal community-based health programs on an ongoing basis, the responsibility and associated funding for several First Nations and Inuit Health Branch programs were permanently transferred to the self-governing Yukon First Nations. These included Aboriginal Diabetes, Maternal Child Health and National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention.

Successes

Through the Yukon First Nation Health and Social Development Commission, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch has increased collaboration with First Nations in identifying high-priority areas for federal investment. This includes determining how new federal resources should be allocated, and which organizations should receive them. This collaborative approach, which also includes First Nations without self-government agreements, is consistent with the principles associated with the inherent right to self-government and with the Government of Canada's commitment to renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Between 2012 and 2017 the Department of Justice provided extensive legal services to the government and its departments and agencies, with the objective of aiding in the implementation of the Yukon Final and Self-Government Agreements.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Work has been ongoing to complete the surveys of settlement land. All of the field work and surveys on the ground have now been completed. The next step is for the parties to the agreements – Canada, Yukon and each implicated Yukon First Nation – to sign the survey plans before they can be recorded in the Canada Lands Survey Records. The outstanding survey plans require the parties to develop a Memorandum of Agreement to address Site Specific Selections.

Successes

In March 2016, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in successfully finalized their Memorandum of Agreement to address Site Specific Selections. Natural Resources Canada continues to work with five other Yukon First Nations to complete the Memorandum of Agreement process.

Activities 2012 to 2017

Challenges

Parks Canada strives to meet Final Agreement implementation obligations. Despite strong commitment, certain specific and systemic challenges exist.

Key examples include:

1. Long term funding for new programming that reflects collaborative efforts with First Nations and that interprets the full history of national parks and historic sites in Yukon.
2. Staff turnover (including retirements and departures, etc.) that impact organizational land claim knowledge and corporate memory and challenge long term, trust-based, relationships between Parks Canada and Yukon First Nations.
3. Increasingly competitive job market and the agency's ability to recruit and retain qualified citizens for federal positions.

Activities 2012 to 2017

The Pacific Region of the Acquisitions Branch conducted a significant quantity and value of procurements that were set aside for competition by Indigenous businesses under the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business, including in the Yukon Territory. The branch also notified self-governing Yukon First Nations of the procurement opportunities that are intended for delivery in their areas.

The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Pacific conducted outreach activities to help businesses in the Yukon, including Indigenous businesses, to understand the opportunities to participate in federal procurement. Other activities included seminars and presentations, participation in trade shows as well as individual meetings with interested suppliers. The following activities took place in the Yukon between 2012–13 and 2016–17 (in Whitehorse unless otherwise indicated):

1. July 2012: Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Community Partnership Forum in Dawson City
2. May 2013 and 2014: Lake Laberge Lions Yukon Trade Show.
3. October 2013: Conference Board of Canada's North Summit
4. February 2014 and March 20115: Cold Climate Innovation Workshop
5. October 2014: Participated in Start-Up Yukon
6. February 2015: Government of Yukon's Construction Industry Day
7. May 2015: BYTE for youth start-ups
8. October 2015: Opportunities North
9. October 2016: Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) conference
10. November 2016: Government of Yukon's Reverse Trade Show plus individual meetings with interested companies
11. February 2017: Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference

Outreach activities reflect a general strategy away from lower-intensity tradeshows with less value to potential suppliers towards more targeted meetings, seminars, etc

Resources

• Lake Laberge Lion's Club Yukon Trade Show
• Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO)
• Yukon College Cold Climate Innovation
• The Conference Board of Canada, Canada's North Summit
• Opportunities North
• Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference