Archived - 2001-2002 Annual Report - Yukon Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements

Workshops, Conferences, Meetings

Board and staff members attended a variety of workshops, meetings and conferences throughout the year. The Council made presentations at the annual general assemblies of the CYFN, TTC, NND and LSCFN and toured the Northern Tutchone region to meet with First Nations. As well, the Council attended and participated in the Canadian Institute of Planners annual conference in Ottawa, the Far North Oil and Gas conference in Calgary, the Yukon Geoscience Forum, the Yukon Outfitter's Association annual general meeting, the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area Workshop in Fort St. John and Cordilleran Round-Up in Vancouver, the Arctic Borderlands Ecological Co-op annual workshop in Fort McPherson, the Peel River Watershed Summit in Whitehorse, the Third Annual CYFN Oil and Gas Summit in Whitehorse and INAC's Cumulative Effects Workshop.

Strategic Plan

The Council undertook a strategic planning exercise in November 2001 to examine the crucial tasks and relationships in fulfilling its mandate under the UFA. The Strategic Plan was completed in February 2002 and is available from the Council office. The Plan addresses the six main areas of the Council's mandate:

• developing a common land use planning process for Yukon;
• advocating for planning throughout Yukon;
• assisting the governments of Yukon First Nations, Yukon and Canada in establishing planning commissions;
• administering funding to planning commissions;
• providing assistance to planning commissions; and
• clarifying roles and responsibilities.

Interagency Work

Chapter 11 of the UFA provides a significant tool for the Council to fulfill its mandate by facilitating communication and relationships among groups involved in land use planning. These groups can include governments and First Nations as parties to the final agreements, Regional Land Use Planning Commissions (RLUPCs) and other organizations interested and involved in land use planning.

During the year, a Council focal point was interagency relationships, specifically, how the parties to the final agreements, the Council and the RLUPCs relate to one another when implementing Chapter 11. The Council worked closely with the Technical Working Group for the North Yukon Land Use Planning Commission (NYLUPC) to better define the roles and responsibilities of each government and the Council in supporting and overseeing the activities of RLUPCs. The Council also produced a short document on relationships which resulted from its strategic planning exercise.

Assistance to Planning Commissions

The Council provided assistance to two RLUPCs: the NYLUPC and the Teslin Planning Commission.

The Council assisted directly with the NYLUPC financial audit, an issues-gathering workshop, annual report, and financial and office administration. The Council assumed responsibility for the Commission's bookkeeping and staff supervision in September 2001, when the Commission's funding was suspended. The Council subsequently prepared a new work plan for 2002-2003 to obtain funding on behalf of the Commission.

The Council organized the initial Teslin Planning Commission annual meeting in December 2001. At this meeting, the Council and Commission participated in an introductory consensus-building workshop. The Council also attended meetings of the Teslin Planning Commission to assist with its work plan, budget and precise terms of reference.

Yukon Panel

The YSC is mandated under the UFA to participate as members of the Yukon Panel, which was established as part of the Pacific Salmon Treaty between Canada and the United States. In 2001-2002, YSC members met with their American counterparts on the Yukon Panel to discuss management issues for the Yukon River drainage basin.

Habitat Issues

The YSC is mandated to make recommendations relating to Yukon salmon habitat. It dealt with numerous habitat issues affecting Yukon salmon, including water licences, Yukon Placer Authorization, the United Keno Hill mine, Dawson City sewage, the BYG mine, fuel spills, the Viceroy mine, the Ketza mine, land use planning, the Anvil Range mine, the Dublin Gulch mine, the Yukon Mineral Strategy, the Yukon Waters Act, the Yukon Queen II, the Yukon Quartz Mining Act, abandoned mine site reclamation, oil and gas issues, the Yukon Protected Areas Strategy (YPAS), the proposed Yukon Environmental and Socioeconomic Assessment Act (YESSA) process, mining regulations, fuel storage regulations and Fisheries Act compliance and enforcement policy.

Integrated Fisheries Management Plans

The YSC is also mandated under the UFA to make recommendations on the content and timing of salmon harvesting and management plans. In an effort to streamline the process of developing integrated fisheries management plans (IFMPs) for salmon in Yukon drainage basins, and to provide an opportunity for more meaningful input into the plans, the YSC established IFMP working groups for the Yukon, Porcupine and Alsek rivers. These working groups are composed of representatives from commercial, sport, domestic and Aboriginal fisheries, First Nations, the YSC, the RRCs and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Consultation

The YSC continued to advise stakeholders of issues of concern through the following avenues:

• publication of a newsletter and maintenance of the Web site;
• public meetings;
• provision of regular salmon updates for the Yukon and Alsek rivers outlining run strength, timing and other information to a wide range of stakeholders;
• participation in workshops and conferences;
• regular updates to the CYFN and at individual First Nations assemblies, as well as a written offer to all Yukon First Nations for YSC participation in general assemblies; and
• meetings with boards, committees, RRCs, First Nations and other organizations.

Harvest Study

The 2001-2002 year marked the seventh and final year of the Yukon River Drainage Basin Harvest Study. The Study was initiated in 1996 under UFA section 16.10.3. and may be extended for up to two additional years, as there were a number of years where weak run strengths necessitated closures in the Aboriginal fishery. Funding for additional years of the Study has not been confirmed. The Basic Needs Allocation for salmon for Yukon River First Nations will be negotiated following the completion of the Study. Members, of the YSC, in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, make up the Steering Committee, which directs and oversees the Study.

Habitat Conservation and Stewardship Program

The YSC partnered with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to oversee the Habitat Conservation and Stewardship Program in Yukon. Through a joint management team of YSC members and Fisheries and Oceans staff, eight habitat stewards work in communities throughout the Yukon on watershed management planning and habitat protection activities. The program was invaluable in strengthening partnerships and improving community capacity. It is one of the most successful programs in the Pacific region and is viewed as a model for other jurisdictions.

Other Activities

As described in the UFA, the YSC is mandated to make recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and to Yukon First Nations "on all matters related to salmon, their habitats and management, including legislation, research, policies and programs." Additional issues and initiatives of the YSC involved:

• participation in the ongoing 2001 Yukon Placer Authorization Review;
• hosting a workshop to provide information on salmon aquaculture;
• participation in workshops to develop a Yukon River Basin Management Plan for the Canadian portion of the drainage;
• comment on the proposed federal species at risk legislation;
• comment on the draft National Code on Introductions and Transfers;
• review of a draft policy on community management of beaver in fish streams;
• review and comment on the federal sustainable development strategy;
• review of the YESSA process; and
• continuation of the Conservation Catch Card Program, designed to provide much needed harvest data on the Yukon salmon sport fishery. Through this program, the YSC ran a youth contest in the spring of 2002 to promote the conservation and stewardship of Yukon's salmon resources.

Public Relations

The YSRB maintained its Web site (www.yukonsurfacerights.com), produced and distributed its annual report, and attended numerous public functions and meetings with other Yukon boards and committees. The YSRB maintains an office in Whitehorse which hosts a reading room for viewing the Board's public records. The Board worked to revise its communication and presentation material, which is due to be completed in 2002-2003.

Industry Relations

The YSRB participates in industry-focussed activities to disseminate information on the Board's mandate and procedures. This includes participation and provision of an exhibit in the Geoscience Forum (sponsored by the Yukon Chamber of Mines). As well, the Board attended the Canadian Aboriginal Mineral Association's Tapping Aboriginal Resources Conference and the CYFN's Third Annual Oil and Gas Summit.

First Nations Relations

The Board was available to visit Yukon First Nations communities on request. The visits promotes liaison between First Nation governments and the YSRB, and provide information and guidance with regard to the Board's legislation and procedures. The Board attended First Nation industry-related functions, and provided each First Nation and the UFA boards and councils with a copy of its annual report.

Government Relations

The Board was in regular contact with all levels of government, attended board and committee meetings and workshops, and made submissions to the Federal Privacy Commission.

Conferences

Board members attended the annual British Columbia Council of Administrative Tribunals conference on administrative law.

Applications to the Board

The Board issued an Order and Reasons for Decision to close File YSRB2000-3001 on April 6, 2001. This dispute was between the City of Whitehorse and Norwest Enterprises with respect to the amount of security set down by the Whitehorse Mining Recorder for Norwest's claims at the Whitehorse landfill site. The Order and Reasons for Decision may be viewed on the Board's Web site.

The Board received a number of inquiries, but no new applications were received and accepted during 2001-2002.

Planned Activities for 2002-2003

The following activities are planned:

• revamp the Board's communication and presentation material;
• continue communications with industry, public, First Nations, and the governments of Yukon and Canada;
• make community visits and participate in industry trade shows;
• continue to enhance the Web site to increase public access to information;
• continue training initiatives for tribunal members and continue correspondence with the Canadian Council for Administrative Tribunals, the British Columbia Council for Administrative Tribunals and the Yukon Council for Administrative Tribunals; and
• finalize the amendments to the Board's rules of procedure. This includes consultations with First Nations, the governments of Yukon and Canada, as well as stakeholders on the proposed amendments. These proposed rules will be published in the Canada Gazette.

Board and Committee Training

Under UFA implementation plans, the TPC should work with the chairs of the UFA boards, committees and councils to help ensure board effectiveness and the availability of crosscultural awareness training as needed. To this end, the TPC worked with representatives of these boards, committees and councils to design and deliver a five-day pilot workshop in April 2001. This successful training activity included three modules: UFA familiarization, board effectiveness and crosscultural awareness.

As a follow-up to this pilot workshop, the TPC has been exploring the potential for developing a common curriculum on board effectiveness for both UFA boards and non-profit organizations. Discussions with Yukon College, the Yukon Volunteer Bureau and other UFA boards and committees have been initiated.

With the support of the Yukon Staff Development Branch, the TPC also co-ordinated a two-day workshop in March 2002 for UFA boards and committees on First Nations history, culture and agreements. In the same month, information was circulated to UFA boards and committees on other board training opportunities offered by the Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council.

Investment Management Workshop

In October 2001, the TPC hosted a three-and-a-half-day Aboriginal investment workshop involving over a dozen resource people from at least nine investment firms. Over 40 Yukon First Nations participants attended. The workshop covered diverse topics including setting up an investment committee, selecting and managing an investment manager, drafting spending, funding and investment policies, and educating communities on investment issues.

Communications and Planning

In the past year, the TPC established a strong planning and communications framework for the organization. A twoday strategic planning session was held in the fall of 2001 and a new work plan developed which outlines the TPC's activities for the next few years.

The communications strategy was updated and emphasizes the organization's need to strengthen communications with First Nations and the public.

To help meet this goal, the TPC published three informative newsletters in June and December 2001, and March 2002. It also launched a Web site and produced a new TPC information pamphlet. An annual report and audit for the year was produced as required under the UFA.

Consultation and Co-ordination

In March 2002, the TPC began a series of meetings with each Yukon First Nation to update them on TPC activities and to learn about their training priorities for the next three years. This consultation and the associated questionnaire were the first steps in developing a new generic training plan. This plan will help direct TPC spending of up to half of the annual interest of the YIPTT. The other half will be reinvested in the Trust to support long-term training.

The TPC continued to network with other groups and committees. For example, as a member of the Interagency Training Group, the TPC keeps in touch with the training initiatives and funding programs of other governments, organizations and businesses. It also provides an opportunity to develop new partnerships. In addition, the TPC strengthened communications with the IWG to ensure it knows of TPC activities and the financial barriers the organization faces.

Yukon Indian People's Training Trust

The YIPTT is a $6.5 million trust established in 1995. Members who serve on the TPC also serve as trustees. At the end of the 2001-2002 fiscal year, the YIPTT's value stood at $7,679,667.

Members of the TPC worked to amend the YIPTT's Indenture Agreement, which sets out the legal framework for the Trust and specifies the types of investment the Trust can or cannot make. A key focus of the amendments was to broaden the types of investments. As part of the amendment process, the TPC worked with the Parties to the UFA for approval. In anticipation of changes to the Indenture Agreement, the TPC drafted new spending, funding and investment policies for the Trust. These policies will be completed once the amendments to the Indenture Agreement receive approval.

The TPC clarified its position on whether or not the First Nation allocations that remain in the Trust earn income. It was decided that all allocations have been earning interest since 1995. Further to this, the specific amounts earned by each First Nation are being calculated.

To assist those First Nations with allocations still available for training use, new training plan guidelines were developed to clarify the information required from a First Nation for the TPC to make a decision on releasing an allocation. These guidelines can also serve as a template to assist First Nations in identifying key training needs and designing approaches to meet those needs. The guidelines will be continually updated.

Management Planning

Planning continued in the following areas. The Alsek Renewable Resources Council (ARRC) continued to collect traditional, local and scientific information to incorporate into the Dezadeash Lake Management Plan. Local knowledge was collected through interviews, questionnaires and a traditional knowledge workshop. Partners in the planning process include the CAFN, Kluane National Park, Kluane Park Management Board and Yukon. This planning was funded through assistance from the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Trust.

Development of a forest management plan for the CAFN traditional territory progressed steadily. The ARRC assumed responsibility for drafting the content of the plan and frequently consulted with the core steering group, composed of ARRC, CAFN, Yukon and INAC representatives. A facilitator was contracted to draft the plan. Annual funding through INAC covered the expenses.

As partners to the Aishihik Integrated Wildlife Management Plan, the ARRC participated in several winter meetings on caribou management in the Aishihik region. The Council recommended to the Yukon Minister of Renewable Resources that a conservative permit hunt for bull caribou be opened in 2002. To ensure the herd remains stable, the Council also recommended a complete census of the herd in 2002-2003. The Council worked to promote local wolf trapping in the Aishihik region directed to reducing predation on the caribou herd.

The ARRC continued to participate in implementation of the Alsek Moose Management Plan.

Other Mandated Responsibilities

The ARRC reviewed water use permit applications as needed throughout the year. The Council participated as an intervener in the Aishihik hydro-electric facility relicensing process. Several major lakes, which provide fish and wildlife habitat in the CAFN traditional territory, have been heavily affected by the dam, so input into the biological monitoring aspects of the new licence was prioritized by the Council.

The Council met with three outfitters with concessions in the Aishihik region to discuss their caribou quota for 2002. The Council stood by its recommendation that 25 percent of the non-First Nations harvest should go to outfitters.

The Council regularly reviewed land use permit applications throughout the year and participated as needed during Federal Territorial Lands Advisory Committee meetings.

Consultation

As the ARRC develops greater capacity and becomes more widely recognized as a valuable management body for providing local input, government agencies will rely more heavily on the Council for input on both local and territorial management issues. The ARRC participated in the following activities during 2001-2002:

• public consultations on moose harvest management in Haines Junction in November 2001, at which community members indicated support for a registration hunt in the CAFN traditional territory;
• as a member of the Bison Steering Committee in discussion of management and harvesting opportunities for the Aishihik bison herd;
• consultations by the Kluane National Park, on recommendations for co-management of grizzlies that travel across park boundaries;
• through input to Yukon officials, on the second phase of the Yukon Wildlife Act review (Council supported creating Yukon legislation for species at risk);
• review of a draft aquaculture policy for Yukon pothole lake fish farming;
• the Federal Territorial Lands Advisory Committee's preliminary discussions of an outfitter land tenure policy for Yukon;
• on a draft fire risk assessment of the Kluane National Park and Kluane Park Management Board, which identifies the potential for fire spreading from the park into the community;
• consultation on local values to identify initial attack zones in fire zonation for INAC; and
• the identification of eco-regions in the CAFN traditional territory for the YPAS. The Council noted its concern with the lack of community consultation in the YPAS process laid out by Yukon.

A greater requirement for meetings, consultation and communication by the ARRC has been attributed to increased awareness of the RRCs by CAFN traditional territory residents, a heavier reliance on RRCs by government, and a need for the ARRC to ensure adequate monitoring systems are in place in the CAFN traditional territory.

Trapping

The Mayo District Renewable Resources Council (MDRRC) continued to review and revise its draft Standard Operating Guidelines for Renewal and Allocation of New, Vacant and Under-Utilized Traplines. It is anticipated that these guidelines will be completed in 2002- 2003.

Mayo Community Wildlife Questionnaire

To assist the MDRRC in prioritizing its activities, the ideas and opinions of residents of Mayo and the surrounding area were collected through a questionnaire on moose and caribou management, fish management, harvesting, trapping, habitat, forestry and public education. Participants were asked to rate the topics as a high, medium or low priority. The results were then summarized and distributed to the public.

Our Rivers, Our Lives Brochure

In conjunction with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the MDRRC began developing a brochure for the Wind, Snake and Bonnet Plume rivers. This brochure will increase public awareness of the rivers and the pristine wilderness of the surrounding area.

Community-Based Fish and Wildlife Plan for the Traditional Territory of the Nacho Nyak Dun First Nation

The MDRRC, NND and Yukon collaborated on a community-based fish and wildlife management plan. A public meeting was held March 7-8, 2002 to review the plan, and more community reviews are expected to be held in 2002-2003. Action items from the March 2002 review included:

• develop key habitat maps for the community that are user friendly;
• send available local habitat information to the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources;
• develop and implement an overall plan for gathering and organizing local knowledge;
• gather further information on areas with potential for development in the NND traditional territory, produce a master plan of these areas and focus habitat work on areas indicated in the plan;
• organize information on wildlife habitats and prioritize for protection;
• send recommendations on habitat protection and access management to the YFWMB;
• develop a code of ethics regarding the use of fourwheelers in the traditional territory and monitor their use; and
• adopt a commercial wilderness recreation policy with due consideration for wildlife habitat.

Permits

The MDRRC reviewed 16 permits in the following areas: water board (six), land use (seven), agriculture (one) and Crown land (two).

Vuntut National Park Management Plan

The process of creating a management plan for Vuntut National Park continued. The plan represents an agreement between the VGFN, the NYRRC and Parks Canada. The scope of the plan includes public access and activities, commercial tourism, research, and the use of snowmobiles and firearms in the Park.

Nii'inlii'jik (Fishing Branch) Wilderness Preserve and Habitat Protection Area

The Nii'inlii'jik Wilderness Preserve and Habitat Protection Area (HPA) planning process was completed in September 2001. Representatives from industry, tourism, environmental organizations, the VGFN, Yukon and the NYRRC were involved.

Muskox Management Workshop and Surveys

A muskox management workshop was held by the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope) in Aklavik, Northwest Territories in October 2001. Participants included user and stakeholder groups from Yukon and the Northwest Territories, such as hunter and trapper committees, government departments, Aboriginal groups and RRCs. At the workshop, a maximum of 17 animals (five percent of the population) was proposed for harvesting, of which two could be taken from the VGFN traditional territory.

Parks Canada and Yukon have been collaborating on muskox surveys in the North Yukon, mainly in Ivvavik and the north portion of Vuntut National Park. Annual surveys over the next three years have been proposed.

Dempster Highway Regulation Review Subcommittee

The Porcupine Caribou Management Board held a series of meetings to review caribou hunting regulations along the Dempster Highway. The NYRRC also worked with the VGFN to survey Old Crow residents and solicit public opinion regarding hunting on the Dempster. Consensus was reached on two issues: a shortened season for non- Aboriginal hunters and a voluntary closure of the cow harvest. Consensus was not reached on the use of snowmobiles, a 500 metre no-hunting corridor, harvesting during the rut and closing areas at certain times of the year to let the leaders of the herd pass.

North Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Plan

The North Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Plan identifies key issues in the VGFN traditional territory and recommends activities to address these concerns. After a two-year planning process involving the NYRRC, the VGFN and Yukon, the plan was completed in 2001.

Crow Flats Special Management Area

The management planning process for the Crow Flats Special Management Area (SMA) started again in November 2001, but stalled in early 2002.

Yukon Protected Areas Strategy for the Eagle Plains Ecoregion

The YPAS process continued during 2001-2002. A minimum core area of 2,422 square kilometres west of the Dempster Highway was selected by Yukon, and an area of interest was identified around this core area. The government solicited comments only on the small area of interest. The NYRRC expressed concern regarding the openness of the process and the failure of the minimum core area to protect the headwaters of Eagle River.

Recommendations Regarding Renewable Resources Management

Recommendations by the NYRRC included the following:

• Serious concerns were expressed by the VGFN that Yukon was moving too quickly with land sales (subsurface rights) in the traditional territory. The NYRRC recommended that no new calls be made until the Regional Land Use Plan is completed.
• The NYRRC recommended that Yukon clean up the Old Crow dump site and the sewage lagoon.
• The NYRRC expressed concerns over the Eagle Plains Lodge water licence application. The Lodge has a poor history of sewage treatment, and the length of the licence being considered is 25 years.

Other Projects

Other projects with involvement by the NYRRC included:

• Eagle Plains seismic monitoring;
• the 2001 Salmon Research Project, a co-operative agreement between the NYRRC and the VGFN;
• the 2001 Vadzaih Choo Drin (Big Caribou Day), a collaborative effort between the NYRRC and the VGFN to celebrate the importance of caribou to the Vuntut Gwitchin culture and way of life; and
• a mustelid (wolverine) survey in Crow Flats which involved the NYRRC and Parks Canada.

Dempster Check Station

The Dempster Check Station has operated every year on the Dempster Highway since 1985. The main objective of the Station is to document the caribou harvest on the highway during the peak fall hunting season and to provide information to highway travellers and hunters. The DDRRC remains an active partner with Yukon in the operation of the Station by helping with the administrative tasks. Each survey completed and returned to the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources was automatically entered into a draw for $400 worth of gas.

The Station is a useful way for the DDRRC to gather input on hunting regulations and harvest figures. Another station set up at the north end of the highway would allow the gathering of additional information on harvests and hunter feedback.

The Yukon Queen II

Over the past few years, the DDRRC documented numerous concerns of community members regarding the operation of the Yukon Queen II, a vessel travelling the Yukon River between Dawson City, Yukon and Eagle, Alaska.

In July 2001, the Council formed a stakeholders working group consisting of representatives from Holland America, the Dawson City Chamber of Commerce, the TH, the Klondike Visitors Association, the Yukon River Commercial Fishers Association, the YSC and the DDRRC.

The working group's terms of reference address navigation and safety issues, and the environmental effects of the vessel. Specific environmental effects include accelerated bank erosion of the Yukon River and the impact on migrating fish fry. The working group is tasked with finding community-based solutions for these concerns. During 2001-2002, the working group met on a regular basis, including months when the Yukon Queen II did not operate.

During 2002-2003, the working group plans to host public forums to document community input as well as deliver updates on commitments made by stakeholders.

Trapline Allocation

As laid out in the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Final Agreement, the DDRRC is responsible for reviewing the use of traplines and for making recommendations to appropriate governments on the (re) assignment of all new, vacant and under-utilized traplines.

The DDRRC formed a working group to develop trapline allocation guidelines using the final agreement objectives as a template. Members of the working group include representatives from the TH, local trappers, Yukon and the DDRRC.

The working group is finalizing a report of recommendations to present to the Council for approval, before submissions to the appropriate governments.

Annual Renewable Resources Councils' Meeting

On May 29, 2001, the DDRRC hosted the follow-up meeting to the annual workshop held in Dawson City in 2000-2001. Discussions included the Wildlife Act (and its review), moose harvest management, the YPAS, traplines, oil and gas development, and RRC implementation and administration. As a result, the RRCs and the YFWMB submitted a formal recommendation to Yukon on the disposition process for oil and gas activities.

On August 27-29, 2001 the Selkirk RRC hosted the annual meeting at Fort Selkirk. The meeting focussed on the improvement of relationships with First Nations governments.

Yukon Premier Pat Duncan attended, at which time the RRCs brought forward concerns over oil and gas development in Yukon (in particular, the disposition process), frustrations with the government taking too long to appoint members, resulting in delays in the community recommendation processes, and serious frustration over the minimal funding provided to councils from Yukon in comparison to the increased responsibilities assigned to RRCs by government.

During the last day of the meetings, an update was provided by the Association of Yukon Renewable Resources Councils (AYRRC), which has the sole mandate of forming a template for the RRCs to use in forestry management planning. After indicating that work on forest policy issues was close to completion, the AYRRC sought future direction. It was decided that once its work is complete, the AYRRC would disband until all councils agree on another territory-wide issue that affects individual traditional territories. The next annual meeting of the RRCs is scheduled for November 2002, to be hosted by the Carmacks RRC. Reports from the Selkirk, Carmacks and Teslin RRCs were not available for this publication.

Balanced Environmental Protection and Resource Development

Continued progress was made toward the establishment of the 6,100 square kilometre Nii'inlii'jik (Fishing Branch) Wilderness Park and Habitat Protected Area. Land was transferred from Canada to the Yukon in preparation for establishing this park. Consideration was given to resource development options in North Yukon. Related to this, the Vuntut Development Corporation participated in the formation and operation of Dempster Energy Services.

Community Services

Initial progress was made to identify the responsibilities of the VGFN and Yukon to find cost-effective delivery mechanisms for the provision of community services and infrastructure.

The community physical development plan was completed for Old Crow, including identification of a prioritized list and scheduling for the development of related physical facilities.

North Yukon Economic Development Agreement

Discussions continued on an intergovernmental economic development agreement, including tourism, in North Yukon.

Youth and Recreation

Activities concerning the development of a comprehensive youth and recreation program in Old Crow included hiring a recreational director and the implementation of a range of youth and community recreation projects.

Social Services

Discussions were launched to assess the comprehensiveness of social service programs in Old Crow and identify gaps in preparation for discussions to establish an appropriate complement of locally delivered programs and services.

North Yukon Land Use Planning

Considerable support was provided by the VGFN, YLUPC, and the governments of Yukon and Canada for re-establishing the NYLUPC and developing a land use plan for the region.

Education Program

Discussions were initiated on options to make the existing education infrastructure in Old Crow more relevant to the social and physical environment in North Yukon.

Building Capacity

Capacity development activities included a strategy to increase the effectiveness of VGFN citizen participation in delivery of VGFN programs, including the enhancement of professional skills and experience.

Continued progress was achieved in the delivery of ongoing VGFN programs which, in combination with the above priorities, produced a more progressive community atmosphere and enhanced community pride.

The review of the implementation of the Final Agreement and Financial Transfer Agreement (FTA) with Canada contributed to the ongoing fine-tuning of VGFN policies, programs and priorities. The financing of self-government occurs only in part through the FTA. It is necessary for the VGFN to seek additional program funding from other sources with related program objectives that contribute toward the achievement of self-government objectives, albeit at considerable administrative cost. It is hoped the issue of adequate funding levels for self-government programs will be dealt with during pending discussions of the Canada/VGFN FTA.

The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development held discussions with self-governing Yukon First Nations on establishing an inter-governmental forum to discuss the future relationships of the three orders of government in Yukon.

Planning was initiated for hosting three major gatherings during the coming year: the YFN annual general assembly, which will include the initial meeting of the intergovernmental forum, the international gathering of the Gwich'in Nation and the general assembly of the VGFN.

Land Management

Participation in:

• the process to develop a land registry system;
• oil and gas, and pipeline consultations and workshops; and
• the Aishihik dam relicensing process, including intervening in the hearings and support of CAFN members involved in compensation issues.

Renewable Resources

• relocating the Klukshu Weir 700 metres upstream following a CAFN General Assembly resolution;
• updating the 1994 Community Salmon Management Plan; and
• completing the final year of the three-year Bison Harvest Agreement with Yukon and initiating drafting of a new agreement. During the year, 19 bison were harvested.

Heritage

• participation in the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park Management Board hearing and the endorsement of the management direction statement by chief and council; and
• continued participation on a heritage working group. Projects included policy and procedure development, CYFN archival documentation, Final Agreement implementation, cultural resource management training and database development.

Education

• response by the CAFN First Nations Education Advisory Board to the Yukon Education Act review recommendations.

Catch Up Keep Up/FA/Chapter 13 Implementation

Sections 13.4.1 and 13.4.2 of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Final Agreement recognize that government heritage resources were not distributed fairly in the past and obligate the governments of Yukon and Canada to give priority to the development and management of Yukon First Nations heritage resources until an equitable distribution is achieved.

To facilitate equitable distribution, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Final Agreement Implementation Plan calls for the TH, and the governments of Yukon and Canada to jointly develop a strategic plan for the management of heritage resources in TH traditional territory. The first formal meeting between the parties on Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Final Agreement Chapter 13 implementation took place in November 2001.When approved, the strategic plan should result in a significant increase in program resources allocated to TH heritage resource development and management. This will assist in the development of heritage resource management capacity within the TH government, enhance the development and appreciation of Tr'ochëk, Forty Mile, Fort Cudahy and Fort Constantine historic sites, Tombstone Park and other TH heritage sites and heritage routes, and generally promote the protection, preservation and celebration of TH heritage resources.

Self-Government Secretariat

As a follow-up to resolutions passed at the Self-Government Summit in Teslin and the CYFN General Assembly in Dawson during June 2001, the self-governing Yukon First Nations obtained funding for a self-government secretariat. The secretariat will be housed in CYFN offices in Whitehorse, and will provide non-political co-ordination and information sharing support to self-governing Yukon First Nations.

Inter-Governmental Forum

Following a meeting between self-governing Yukon First Nation Chiefs and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in January 2002, the self-governing Yukon First Nations agreed to participate in establishing an Inter-Governmental Forum (IGF) with the Yukon and Canadian government. The forum will involve the highest elected officials, and will consider visions, mandates, capacities and financing for governance in Yukon. The objective is to co-ordinate effective government and quality programs and services in Yukon, to implement selfgovernment successfully. Among other things, it is hoped the IGF will resolve impasses slowing progress at the tax and the PSTA tables.

Administration of Justice Discussions

Section 13.6.1 of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Self-Government Agreement directs the parties to "enter into negotiations with a view to concluding an agreement in respect of the administration of TH justice." Exploratory discussions leading toward those negotiations began in June 2001. It is anticipated that substantive negotiations will begin in 2003-2004.

Programs and Services Transfer Agreement Negotiations

Negotiations for PSTAs continued on three major fronts, albeit with little progress:

• language and culture programs as provided through the Canada Yukon Languages Agreement, the Canada Assembly of First Nations Languages Agreement and the INAC Cultural Centre Program;
• post-secondary education programs as provided by INAC and Yukon; and
• social assistance programs as provided by regional intake programs and Yukon Social Services.

Substantive discussions on Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) programs began with the Yukon First Nations tabling a draft HRDC PSTA. HRDC did not return to the table in 2001-2002.

Progress was made on a PSTA in respect of a small number of proposal-driven programs identified in section 2.3 of programs identified in section 2.3 of PSTA 2 (including family violence and social programs). This PSTA is expected to come into effect during fiscal 2002-2003.

Further progress at the PSTA table has been stalled. Major factors contributing to the impasse are:

• a difference of opinion between the Yukon First Nations and Canada on the adequacy of Canada's mandate for resources being transferred to Yukon First Nations; and
• uncertainty over how to account for Government of Yukon financial contributions to program transfers as described in Chapter 18.0 of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Self- Government Agreement.

Tax Negotiations

Tax negotiations with the governments of Yukon and Canada continued in 2001-2002, focussing on consumption tax (the Goods and Services Tax or GST), commodity taxes (alcohol, fuel and tobacco), property tax and corporate income tax. The GST negotiations achieved the best progress, with the preparation of a draft agreement with Canada on how the GST will operate. Discussions have taken longer than anticipated on these issues, due to Canada's desire to approach the matter from the perspective of both Indian Act First Nations and self-governing First Nations. The self-governing First Nations in Yukon believe their consumption tax agreements are unrelated to the Indian Act.

Tax agreements with Yukon were stalled pending resolution of Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Self-Government Agreement Section 18 issues (see PSTA above).

Big Picture Finance Discussions

To resolve the impasses described above, and facilitate the development of self-government more broadly, the parties held a "Big Picture" meeting in November 2001, involving Yukon First Nations Chiefs, and tax negotiators and PSTA negotiators, Canada and Yukon tax and PSTA negotiators, high-level representatives from the federal Department of Finance, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and INAC, and their respective counterparts from Yukon. These discussions looked at all sources of federal funding flowing into Yukon, including the Yukon/Canada Formula Finance Agreement and Canada Health and Social Transfer funding.

Tombstone Park

The Tombstone Park Steering Committee continued work on the Tombstone Park Management Plan throughout 2001-2002.

Tr'ochëk Heritage Site/Forty Mile Historic Site

Archaeological work continued at the Tr'ochëk site and at the Forty Mile historic site. Pre-contact artifacts continue to come forth in abundance, providing tantalizing insights into the Han history and culture. Management plans are being drafted for both sites.

Self-Government Summits II and III

In June 2001 and March 2002, the second and third Self- Governing Yukon First Nation Summits took place in Teslin and Whitehorse. Discussions continued on self-government implementation and government-togovernment relations with Yukon and Canada.

C-4 Development

In June 2001, the TH began the first major development on TH settlement land. About 18 hectares of previously mined tailings along the Klondike River are being recontoured and subdivided. Phase 1 will see approximately 40 residential lots and six to eight commercial lots created. The subdivision is within Dawson municipal boundaries, immediately outside of historic Dawson on the east side of Crocus Bluff. The subdivision will be connected to the City of Dawson water and sewer system; the City of Dawson will provide all normal municipal services through a municipal service agreement. Residential housing construction is expected to begin in mid 2002-2003.

Dividing and Sharing Responsibility for Education

Section 17.7 of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Self-Government Agreement provides the ability to negotiate the division and sharing of responsibility for the design, delivery and administration of education programs delivered within TH traditional territory relating to:

• Indian student counseling;
• cross-cultural teacher/administrator orientation;
• composition of teaching staff;
• early childhood, special and adult education curriculums;
• kindergarten through grade 12 curriculums; and
• the evaluation of teachers, administrators and other employees.

Section 17.7 negotiations will result in an arrangement whereby the TH work in partnership with Yukon to deliver education programming in TH traditional territory.

The TH First Nation has been active in the education arena over the past year. An ad hoc education caucus was developed and involves the TH Culture and Education Department, and other staff and elected officials. A comprehensive review of proposed amendments to the Yukon Education Act was completed. The TH worked with Yukon officials to establish a half time counselor position within Robert Service School. This process provided an appreciation for Yukon education operations and the challenges facing TH students. Additionally, the First Nation developed positive relations with the Robert Service School administration and with senior officials within the Yukon Department of Education in Whitehorse.With this experience, the TH determined that it was the appropriate time to initiate section 17.7 negotiations, and sent the appropriate notification to the YG.

The goal of section 17.7 negotiations is to make TH a meaningful part of the education system within the traditional territory and thereby improve the school system for TH students.

Reports from the CYFN, NND, SFN, TKC and TTC were not available for this publication.

Information Systems

As part of the Land and Resources Information Management Strategy, the Geomatics Yukon Program of Information and Communications Technology continued to work with First Nations on the multi-year implementation of geomatics initiatives pertaining to the UFA and individual First Nations final agreement commitments. The initiatives for 2001-2002 included:

• continued consultation to determine implementation priorities, generally with all First Nations, and individually by First Nation;
• implementation of the developed information-sharing protocol;
• implementation of the first stages of an information technology architecture for secure sharing of land and resource management information; and
• specific technical assistance and advice on spatial data sources and products, and on the use of geographical information system (GIS) applications for implementation of the final and self-government agreements.

RRCs/YFWMB

The Department provided membership nomination and appointments, and financial administration for RRCs and the YFWMB.

The Northern Tutchone Program integrates and co-ordinates the management of fish and wildlife between the Department, the three Northern Tutchone First Nations and the RRC. The regional biologist and technician were identified as the primary contacts for these First Nations and RRCs on all matters related to fish and wildlife conservation and management, such as the Integrated Wildlife Management Plan for the NND traditional territory, co-operation on drafting traditional laws for fish and wildlife for the SFN, fish and wildlife input into SMA planning (e.g., Ddhaw Ghro, Ta' Tla Mun, Lhutsaw, Horseshoe Slough, Nordenskiold), and joint monitoring and surveys of fish and wildlife populations.

Management Planning

Management planning activities included the following:

• The Tatla Mun Management Plan was completed and approved by the SFN and Yukon. In relation to management planning, Mica Creek/Tatla Mun Lake/Yukon River Broad Whitefish radio tagging and monitoring studies were completed and areportproduced.
• Drafting of the Mandanna Lake Management Plan was done and a public review of the Carmacks RRC completed. The Plan was recommended to the Minister for approval.
• The legal description for the Tombstone SMA was completed by the TH, Natural Resources Canada and INAC.
• Work began on the Tombstone Management Plan by the Tombstone Park Steering Committee, and the first round of territory-wide public consultations to solicit issues to be considered in the Plan was completed. In this regard, the following research was undertaken:
• the second year of winter and summer recreational use surveys in Tombstone Park;
• an ethno-history research project for the Park and a final report on vegetation communities in Tombstone;
• in conjunction with the TH, a door-to-door survey of TH citizens in Dawson and Whitehorse; and
• completion of an economic opportunities report related to the proposed park.
• The draft for the Teslin Integrated Fish and Wildlife Management Plan was completed following two information and planning workshops.
• The North Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Plan was developed through a process which included a community information workshop.
• In conjunction with the MDRRC, the Department identified important issues to be addressed in the upcoming review of the Mayo Integrated Fish and Wildlife Management Plan.
• Preliminary discussions were held with the ARRC, Kluane Park Management Board, the CAFN, Parks Canada and British Columbia to develop an interagency bear management plan for the area.
• The Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area Management Plan was approved and a public information brochure produced.
• The draft management plan for the Nordenskiold HPA was prepared followed by public consultation on the plan.
• The Mandanna Lake trout spawning and recruitment studies continued.

Management Plan Implementation

• Tatla Mun and Mandanna special angling regulations were implemented as provided for in the management plans.

Environmental Assessment

Environmental assessment activities included:

• project tracking for Dublin Gulch Project Management with respect to interim measures associated with the Development Assessment Process;
• consultations with all Yukon First Nations on new regulations or amendments under the Environment Act (Revised Contaminated Sites Regulations and Designated Materials Regulations - for Tire Recycling);
• work with the ARRC on fire abatement and wood salvage in the Haines Junction area;
• participation with the federal government in the completion of PSTA (forest) fire contracts with self-governing First Nations; and
• with respect to the Aishihik hydro project (relicensing by the Yukon Energy Corporation for the Aishihik electrical generating facility), participation with the CAFN, INAC and Fisheries and Ocean Canada on the Co-operative Environmental Review Committee as joint participants in developing an environmental screening for the water licence application and subsequent regulatory hearings.

Regulatory

Consultation was undertaken in the review of the trapping regulations and on the Phase II amendments to the Wildlife Act and the proposed species at risk legislation.

Land Use and Land Planning

Land use and land planning activities included:

• liaison with band resource officers on fish and wildlife issues stemming from land use applications (INAC);
• participation in the Federal/Territorial Lands Advisory Committee which screened applications for Yukon First Nation land selection and land settlement conflicts;
• participation in the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council workshop;
• distribution of summarized land use applications to various parties, including First Nations trappers and councils (if trappers had concerns regarding potential trapping conflicts with the proposed land use operation, mediation processes were discussed if necessary and trapper concerns forwarded to INAC on their behalf); and
• participation in the North Yukon Land Use Planning process. Through a Yukon inter-departmental working group, the Department provided the NYLUPC with information on issues affecting the North Yukon region.

Forest Resource Planning

• Timber policy and planning included, but was not limited to,forest management planning within the Teslin Tlingit RRC.

Other

The Department also continued to participate in inter-governmental discussions on trappers' compensation.

Heritage Branch

The Department of Tourism, Heritage Branch is responsible for the implementation of Yukon obligations respecting the non-documentary heritage resource provisions of the final agreements and implementation plans. These mainly concern UFA Chapter 13 provisions and include the ownership and management of heritage sites and resources, First Nations burial sites, research, geographic place names and economic opportunities. They also address the equitable allocation of program resources for the development and management of heritage resources of First Nations.

The Branch continued to support the work of the YHRB and the YGPNB. Other 2001-2002 activities included the following:

• Participation continued in discussions with individual First Nations and Canada to prepare strategic heritage plans which address resource allocation equity provisions. Terms of reference and work plans for this project were signed off with the NND, TH, CAFN, VGFN and Canada.
• Management planning for a number of heritage sites was ongoing. The Forty Mile joint steering committee completed the terms of reference for preparation of a management plan and hired a planning consultant to work on developing the plan in 2002-2003. The management plan for the sites of Rampart House and LaPierre House was signed by the Minister of Tourism and the Chief of the VGFN, on behalf of their respective governments.
• A member of the VGFN completed the final year ofathree-year heritage officer training internship.
• Funding was provided for a joint VGFN, Heritage Branch and Parks Canada oral history project in the Old Crow region of northern Yukon.
• The Branch continued to allocate existing program resources for the development and management of heritage resources including the historic building restorations at Rampart House, Forty Mile and Fort Selkirk, and publication of a booklet, Tro'chek - The Archaeology and History of a Han Fish Camp,which deals with the significant TH site at Klondike City/Lousetown, adjacent to Dawson City.
• Archaeological investigations continued at the historic site of Forty Mile in cooperation with TH. Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in students worked with archaeologists to map historic features of the pre-gold-rush town and continued excavation of a significant pre-European contact occupation of the site. The research, which began in 1999, will assist in the planning and management of the Forty Mile, Fort Cudahy and Fort Constantine Historic Site. This is identified in the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Final Agreement as a historic site to be jointly managed by the TH and Yukon.
• Funding was provided to the Yukon First Nations' Tourism Association to bring in a guest speaker from the Blackfoot First Nation in Alberta who spoke on involvement in the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretation Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Branch participated in, and supported an international symposium of Upper Yukon River heritage in Dawson City. The conference involved Parks Canada, the United States Parks Service, the TH and the University of Alaska.
• Development and enhancement of the Branch database of Yukon First Nations artifacts held in museums and other repositories outside of Yukon continued. The information is accessed by Yukon First Nations wishing to identify collections to be used in cultural heritage projects.

Industry Services Branch

In 2001-2002, final agreement implementation activities resulted in increased demands in several key areas:

• participation and response to final agreement driven initiatives that include or affect tourism opportunities for Yukon First Nations and others;
• service improvements to Yukon First Nations individuals wishing to develop tourism businesses that capitalize on growing market interest in Aboriginal tourism products; and
• service improvements to YFN governments, corporations and organizations interested in tourism-related economic opportunities for their members. Special Management Area projects included:
• provision of detailed information to the Tombstone Park Steering Committee on tourism activities, resources and economic potential, drafting tourism-related sections of plans and participation on the Corridor Working Group;
• provision of preliminary tourism information to the Tr'ochëk Heritage Site Steering Committee to help identify potential economic opportunities through the creation of a "first-class tourism attraction" ;
• review and tourism-related input into the Fishing Branch Wilderness Preserve and HPA plans;
• provision of detailed tourism information and assessments for the Vuntut National Park Management Planning Team and a review of draft planning material;
• participation on Yukon Ddhaw Gro advisory group and provision of tourism information as required; and
• provision of detailed information, research and assessment of tourism activities, market demand, tourism potential and tourism-related economic opportunities for Yukon First Nations and the Kluane National Park Management Planning Team, and review of draft planning documents. The Kluane Region Tourism Plan provided additional information for the Planning Team.

The Branch also provided tourism-related information to the NYLUPC in Old Crow for region-wide planning and for tourism issues associated with the Fishing Branch HPA.

Branch activities related to economic development included the following.

• Community-based work took place on a Vuntut region tourism plan, including several meetings with the Vuntut Development Corporation and its executive director. A tourism market demand was completed, and submitted to the VGFN. The draft regional tourism plan was awaiting presentation to the Vuntut Development Corporation at year end. The final plan will reflect community priorities and capabilities, and identify and assess realistic tourism product development opportunities in the VGFN traditional territory, including those in SMAs, the VGFN Economic Opportunities Plan and other initiatives driven by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement.
• The Branch participated in discussions on the development of an Old Crow visitors centre with the VGFN and Parks Canada:
• Consultations continued with communities and First Nations in the Campbell Region toward a new tourism plan in the spring of 2001.The LSCFN, the Village of Carmacks and the Town of Faro were interested in this planning initiative. Branch staff continued to gather information on the region, anticipating that planning will take place next year.

Annex C of most final agreements set out that "Government shall have the primary responsibility for informing the general public with regard to provisions of Final and Self-Government Agreements." Yukon First Nations have frequently expressed the need for tourism operators, especially those in the back country, to know about aspects of final and self-government agreements that affect them.

Staff ensure business clients who contact the Branch are aware of final agreement obligations, especially settlement land, access provisions, and heritage, fish and wildlife chapters. Tourism industry organizations are encouraged to do the same, or refer clients to the Branch. Clients are also encouraged to contact First Nations in areas where they would like to operate. Most tourism operators would like to improve their understanding of final agreements and the best way to approach and work with First Nations. Both factors are as crucial to successful business as they are to establishing appropriate relationships with First Nations governments.

The Branch also provides information, research and advice to support clients looking to research, plan, develop and market tourism products. The Department has improved its collection of current information on Aboriginal tourism and delivered it to clients throughout the territory. Client services are not a direct final or self-government agreement obligation. However, support is provided to First Nation individuals when implementing tourism-related economic opportunities identified in their agreements.

With the addition of a First Nation Training Corps position in 2001-2002, the Branch improved service to Yukon First Nations by:

• developing and distributing a funding sources booklet with a focus on Yukon First Nations programs;
• attending the First Nation career fairs in Dawson, Teslin and Haines Junction;
• ongoing communication and distribution of Aboriginal tourism-related information to Yukon First Nations, such as local and national conferences, new research, industry newsletters, funding sources and workshop information,
• working with Arts Branch staff and consultants to deliver arts and crafts product development workshops for TTC members;
• providing staff and financial support for the Yukon First Nations' Tourism Association annual general meeting and other activities; and
• meeting with SFN and NND members for their input into the Stay Another Day program.

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

• The Vuntut caribou fence archaeological recording project was initiated in the summer of 2002 to be implemented over three field seasons.
• An interactive Web site development, which focusses on caribou fences in Vuntut National Park, was under way.
• The Vuntut Gwitchin Oral History Project continued through the reporting period with funding from Parks Canada,and will be continued on a smaller scale for another two to three years. The development of a photo database is part of this work. The project objectives are to enhance the community's ability to articulate its values and traditional knowledge to cover management of the National Park and to inform Canadians of the Vuntut Gwitchin contribution to Canada.
• The visitor reception and operations centre in the Park proceeded with the initiation of a business case in 2001-2002.
• In a project supported by the NYRRC, Parks Canada began a multi-year study to establish important baseline information about the population of wolverines and other mustelids within the park. This information will help manage these populations in a sustainable manner throughout the traditional territories of the Vuntut Gwitchin and provide managers with an indicator to judge the overall health of the ecosystem.
• The Park superintendent or a delegate met with the RRCs more frequently than the annual requirement of the UFA, to consult on Park development and management matters.
• The Park management plan was worked on, prior to its anticipated recommendation and approval, by the Minister.
• Parks Canada continued to train and employ VGFN beneficiaries and met the goal of at least 50 percent of the public service employment positions being filled by Vuntut Gwitchin. Parks Canada has also seconded an employee to the VGFN to meet common government objectives of Parks Canada and the VGFN.
• Parks Canada continued to contract the VGFN to provide maintenance and upkeep of its facilities in Old Crow.In general, information respecting contracts for the provision of goods and services in the VGFN traditional territory are provided to the VGFN.

Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in

The Tr'ochëk Heritage Site was recognized to be of national historical significance by the Minister of Canadian Heritage on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Parks Canada prepared the nomination. Other activities with respect to the Site included:

• sponsorship of archeological research in the summer of 2001;
• assistance in the development of an exhibit in the Danoja Zho Culture Centre;
• provision of staff training for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Culture Centre interpreters;
• organization of a commemorative integrity workshop for the Site; and
• continuation of work on the draft management plan for the Site with an expected public review in the fall of 2002.

Parks Canada also worked with TH staff to set up and implement a pilot values-based land inventory process for the First Nation's selected lands.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations

During the year, the Kluane National Park and Reserve/Community of Haines Junction Preliminary First Risk Assessment was completed. Parks Canada funded this initiative and partnered with the ARRC, Kluane Park Management Board, the Village of Haines Junction and the CAFN.

In partnership with the ARRC, Kluane Park Management Board, the CAFN, and the governments of Yukon and British Columbia, the Alsek Moose Management Plan was developed for the Alsek watershed. Parks Canada will monitor moose populations within the CAFN traditional territory of Kluane National Park.

The Keeping Track Census was established by the Kluane Park Management Board and run by Parks Canada. First Nations members were hired to participate in the monitoring.

A CAFN student was employed by Kluane National Park in the Kluane Ecological Monitoring Program.

Chapter 13

Canadian Heritage has the lead federal responsibility for UFA Chapter 13. This chapter deals with heritage resources, and includes an objective relating to their equitable distribution among Yukon First Nations, Yukon and Canada. A meeting with all self-governing First Nations in Yukon was held in December 2001, and the other Yukon First Nations were also invited to attend. Canadian Heritage made best efforts to present the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal expenditures in Yukon over the approximately 25 years, as requested by the First Nations. Following this inaugural meeting, Canadian Heritage provided the participants with a one-day workshop on heritage tourism.

A second meeting was held in February 2002. Terms of reference texts for the strategic planning agreements and work plans, which will be signed individually by theself-governing First Nations, were developed. A letter was subsequently sent to the YHRB informing it of the process in place and inviting the Board to participate in future meetings.

Northern Conservation Division

The Northern Conservation Division (NCD) of Environment Canada (EC) has responsibilities pertaining to the Game Export Act, Endangered Species Protection Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act.The NCD also has a role in the development of management plans for special wildlife management areas.

Specific activities of the Division included the following:

• The Corporate Affairs Branch continued to participate in a review of the Yukon Human Resources Plan, undertaken by the federal PSC.
• The INAC/EC Environmental Capacity Development Initiative (ECDI) funded a proposal to consult Elders and write a report on First Nations' perspectives on bears, as well as watershed information gathering and management planning in co-ordination with the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council. The ECDI funded a GIS project with the VGFN and a project with the Council on Web-site development. It also funded the First Nation Environmental Steering Committee.
• The NCD participated in meetings and workshops in Old Crow and Whitehorse aimed at developing amanagement plan for the Old Crow Flats SMA as per section 5.0, schedule C, Chapter 10 of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nations Final Agreement. Planning efforts for the SMA recently focussed on the future status of two pieces of undesignated federal land. Currently, the process has stalled because of Yukon concerns about the status of these two parcels of federal land. The NCD continued to co-operate with Parks Canada on mapping land cover in the SMA.
• The NCD continued work to update the Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife Area Management Plan in conjunction with the Teslin RRC, the TTC and the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources.

Additionally, the NCD participated in a habitat workshop in Teslin hosted by the Teslin RRC.

• The NCD continued to work with other groups and agencies through the Yukon Wetlands Technical Committee to develop and implement a framework and strategy to protect important wetlands throughout Yukon.
• The NCD provided ongoing technical advice regarding forestry issues to the TTC.
• The NCD continued to consult with First Nations on the development of federal species at risk legislation. TheCYFN was an active participant with the Aboriginal Working Group concerning this proposed legislation. The NCD participated in a workshop in Edmonton in January 2002 to which all co-management boards across the country were invited to discuss ways to involve wildlife management boards in the implementation of the new federal species at risk act. The NCD also participated in two Yukon government workshops in the spring and summer of 2001 to develop parallel Yukon legislation for species at risk protection. Representatives from all the Yukon co-management bodies and First Nations attended these workshops. The NCD provided updates on the federal species at risk legislation at each workshop.
• The NCD continued to co-ordinate the Arctic Borderlands Ecological Knowledge Co-op's community-based monitoring program in Old Crow, including consulting with the NYRRC and the VGFN Lands and Resources Department, and contracting a VGFN beneficiary to conduct and report on community interviews related to ecological status and trends. This program is directed by a board that includes members from Old Crow, Aklavik, Fort McPherson and Alaskan communities.
• The NCD worked with the CYFN and individual First Nations on monitoring and communicating information about contaminants in country foods through the Yukon Contaminants Committee. Other information and technical advice on contaminants provided to the Committee included curriculum development, data analysis and monitoring.
• As a continuation of the 2000-2001 pilot study on forest birds conducted in co-operation with the Teslin RRC and the TTC, songbird surveys and forest habitat sampling in the Teslin area were undertaken in 2001-2002. The TTC provided a summer student to assist with the fieldwork. The Teslin RRC assisted in hiring a local field assistant and covered 50 percent of the assistant's salary. A summary report of the project's activities and preliminary results were provided to the Teslin RRC for inclusion in its annual report.
• The NCD has a partnership with Yukon, Ducks Unlimited, the TTC, CAFN and ARRC on a land cover and waterfowl inventory project in the Southern Lakes regions of Yukon. The NCD has a similar partnership with Ducks Unlimited, the NND and the Tetlit Gwitch'in on a land cover classification project in the Peel Plateau region.

Environmental Protection Branch

Activities of the Environmental Protection Branch (EPB) included the following:

• The EPB was an active member of the federal DAP caucus. This involved reviewing position papers prepared by the federal lead (INAC) and recommending conditions that the DAP process should meet to accomplish EC requirements and to meet the needs of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.Drafts of the proposed YESSA legislation have been reviewed. Other parties have been kept informed through briefing by the Yukon Management Team or through direct contact for input (UFA section 12.3.0).
• The EPB contacted the CYFN and all self-governing First Nations in Yukon to discuss their interest in becoming participants in the Letter of Understanding Concerning Government Response to Spills in the Yukon. A number of First Nations confirmed their interest. This initiative was a result of the Self-Government Agreements, which provide Yukon First Nations with environmental management responsibilities.
• The EPB met with the YSC to provide information related to the 24 hour spill- reporting number and the responsibilities of government departments related to spills and environmental emergencies.
• The EPB worked with INAC in the provision of environmental training for Yukon First Nations environmental staff.
• The EPB initiated direct contact with the TTC, NND, LSCFN, CAFN and VGFN to solicit input on matters associated with wildlife/pollution enforcement, sustainable community initiatives, and pollution threats/contaminated sites.
• The EPB worked co-operatively with the TH to evaluate the effects of land disposal of treated effluent in a forested area at the Brewery Creek mine.
• The EPB provided a workshop to the VGFN on the regulations related to steel shot versus lead shot and the reasons for the regulation. The workshop provided hands-on training on the use of steel shot for members of the First Nation. Similar workshops are planned with other First Nations.
• The EPB met with the YFWMB as needed to discuss federal wildlife regulations and continued to work with the Board to ensure that Yukon First Nations have input into new regulations (UFA section 16.5.3). Working together, the EPB and the NCD attempt to keep the YFWMB and other groups abreast of progress in, and the implications of, the amendments to the Migratory Birds Convention vis-à-vis the UFA (section 16.3.5).
• The EPB continued to participate in meetings of the Yukon Inter-Tribal Watershed Council to establish links with Yukon First Nations and provide information to the Council on departmental programs. The Council consists of Yukon and Alaskan First Nations along the Yukon River (nine active First Nations) that wish to initiate action to protect Yukon River water quality in aco-operative manner with government. The EPB provided funding support for a computer specialist to establish Web pages and information programs for the First Nations members of the Council. An EPB intern worked closely with the Council during the latter part of the year as a science specialist to compile water quality and land use planning information.

Habitat Conservation and Stewardship Program

FOC partnered with the YSC in the implementation, delivery and administration of the Habitat Conservation and Stewardship Program. In the program development, FOC Canada ensured that the guidelines for consultation, pursuant to the UFA, were adhered to and that the program met the needs of Yukon communities. This program provided the Department with an excellent opportunity to build partnerships and capacity within Yukon communities.

Restoration and Enhancement

Restoration and enhancement projects, funded through the Research and Enhancement Fund of the Canada-United States Yukon River Salmon Agreement, have a strong link to the UFA due to the YSC's involvement in the Yukon Panel. FOC was very active in the development, selection and implementation of these projects. In addition, the Department actively encouraged communities to become involved in their own restoration and enhancement planning, and provided technical support in the development of project proposals. Habitat stewards, from the Habitat Conservation and Stewardship Program, have provided additional support and guidance to communities in the development of research and enhancement projects, and have been, in turn, supported by FOC.

Consultation

FOC continued to provide information and request feedback from stakeholders according to UFA consultation guidelines. During 2001-2002, the Department partnered with the YSC to form working groups for the development of Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMPs) for a number of drainage basins. These working groups gave stakeholders more meaningful input into the development of these plans and provided a mechanism for identifying communications gaps. FOC also provided comprehensive updates of run strength, timing and ongoing management of Yukon and Alsek River salmon fisheries during the review period.Departmental staff accompanied YSC members to communities to consult with First Nations and other stakeholders regarding the management of Yukon River salmon stocks.

Stock Assessment

FOC has ongoing stock assessment projects, which are operated in partnership with the CAFN and VGFN. These long-term projects include the following.

• The Klukshu Weir is operated in partnership with theCAFN. During the year, the Weir was moved in response to First Nation concerns. The Department continued to address issues with this project through theAlsek River Working Group, which is composed of representatives from the CAFN, YSC and FOC.
• The Klukshu Weir project continued to offer economic benefits to the community through employment opportunities, as well as capacity building, and is agoodexample of a co-management initiative.

The Fishing Branch Weir stock assessment project is operated in partnership with the VGFN, and provides benefits similar to the Klukshu Weir.

Technical Input

FOC had frequent interactions with UFA boards, committees and councils, and provided input into UFA processes including SMAs, land use plans, YESSA, the YWB, RRCs and the land selection process.

Commercial Licences

Under UFA section 16.10.15, Canada is required to issue additional commercial salmon fishing licences to Yukon First Nations whose traditional territories include part of the Yukon drainage basin. It was determined that eight additional licences will be made available to First Nations. This issue remained outstanding in 2001-2002 pending thecompletion of a sharing arrangement among affected First Nations.

Legal Surveys Division

The Legal Surveys Division of Natural Resources Canada is responsible for the legal surveying of Yukon First Nations settlement lands. Annual survey programs are based on recommendations made by First Nation Settlement Land Committees. Eight of the 14 First Nations in Yukon are implementing legal surveys of their settlement lands.

Twelve survey contracts were awarded in 2001-2002:

Survey programs continued for all Yukon First Nations with Final Agreements. It is anticipated that the survey component of the VGFN, SFN, LSCFN and TTC survey programs will be completed in the 2002-2003 fiscal year, and signing will follow in the next fiscal year.

Other activities during the year included the following:

• Survey field contracts began in the spring with the bulk of work carried out in the summer and early fall of 2001. Plan preparation by the contractors was in late fall/winter 2001-2002. Review of plans by the Settlement Land Committees and signing by the Parties occurred throughout the year.
• A Settlement Land Committee was established in preparation for the survey program implementation of theTa'an Kwäch'än Council Final Agreement.
• The legal descriptions of SMAs listed in Chapter 10 of the Selkirk First Nation Final Agreement, Ddhaw Ghro HPA, Lhutsaw Wetland HPA, and Ta'tla Mun SMA, were defined by administrative plans produced by the Legal Surveys Division.
• An MOU between the Parties to the final agreements, to facilitate the exchange of land where site-specific selections were incorrectly located, is expected to be completed by INAC before it devolves the lands responsibilities over to Yukon on April 1, 2003. Five of theYukon First Nations survey programs are awaiting this agreement to facilitate changes to the location of site-specific selections that were not plotted in the correct location on maps forming Appendix B to their respective agreements.

Financial Compensation Payments

Implementation Funding

* Canada provides funds to the CYFN to support the TPC a well as CYFN implementation costs.

** Canada provides funds to Yukon to support the FWMB, YHRB, YGPNB and the RRC of each First Nation.