Yukon Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements - Annual Report 2010–2011

Activities in 2010–11

Carcross/Tagish First Nation has passed and begun to implement its Family Act. The Act supports community responsibility through the establishment of a Family Council.

Carcross/Tagish First Nation's Health and Wellness Department is implementing a Transitional Employment Program that targets low-income individuals.

The Heritage, Lands and Natural Resources Department is developing a land management policy. Community consultation began in December 2009.

The Capacity Development Department is working with the Government of Yukon's Department of Education to create a pilot project for Carcross/Tagish First Nation's early childhood education center (Ya Dak Du Hidi) and the Ghuch Tlâ Community School.

Carcross/Tagish First Nation is negotiating with the Government of Canada to renew its Financial Transfer Agreement, which expires March 31, 2012.

Carcross/Tagish First Nation's negotiating priorities for Programs and Services Transfer Agreements for the 2010–11 fiscal year included early childhood development.

There was little activity in negotiations of Programs and Services Transfer Agreements due to the shift in focus to the Financial Transfer Agreement negotiations. Specified Period Funding amendments were concluded on a National Anti-Drug Strategy; National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy; and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative.

The primary challenge faced by Carcross/Tagish First Nation is implementing its agreements without adequate resources.

Activities in 2010–11

A new Chief and Council were elected in October 2010 for a 4 year term.

After almost 2 years of negotiations, a new Financial Transfer Agreement was approved by Chief and Council in February 2011. The effective date is April 1, 2010 with an expiry date of March 31, 2015.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations held preliminary discussions on the effective delivery of programs and services. The priorities are local government services, natural and heritage resources and development assessment. Programs and Services Transfer Agreements, however, continue to face challenges due to differing priorities and understandings between Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.

Community consultations were held as part of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations' ongoing review of its Constitution.

In the area of Registry and Citizen Support, certain issues need to be resolved and policy and legislation are required. Government of Canada's recent Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act will likely increase the number of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations citizens.

There was little activity in negotiations of Programs and Services Transfer Agreements due to the shift in focus to the Financial Transfer Agreement negotiations. Specified Period Funding amendments were concluded on a National Anti-Drug Strategy; National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy; and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative.

A heritage working sub-group of the Implementation Working Group was established to develop a heritage manual pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Final Agreements. In January 2011, a Chapter 22 working group was also established; members held their first meeting on February 14, 2011 and approved a Memorandum of Understanding and Terms of the Reference.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations contributed to and supported the development of a Government of Yukon Representative Public Service Plan under Schedule A Chapter 22 of its Final Agreement.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations requested that the Yukon Land Use Planning Council start the regional land use plan process for the Champagne and Aishihik Traditional Territory, pursuant to Chapter 11 of its Final Agreement.

Activities in 2010–11

First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun and the Government of Canada agreed to a new Financial Transfer Agreement. The new Financial Transfer Agreement contains enhanced resources for general governance responsibilities, but did not contain enhanced resources for the areas of programs and services or Final Agreement implementation.

In January 2011, the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun and Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Yukon Employees Union and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, pledging mutual support and cooperation. The Memorandum of Understanding contains provisions that protect union jobs when the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun assumes responsibilities for government programs and services.

First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun developed a Lands Act for its Traditional Territory.

First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun supported the development of a Government of Yukon Representative Public Service Plan under Schedule A Chapter 22 of its Final Agreement.

A heritage working sub-group of the Implementation Working Group was established to develop a heritage manual pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Final Agreements. In January 2011, a Chapter 22 working group was also established; its members held their first meeting on February 14, 2011 and approved a Memorandum of Understanding and Terms of Reference.

First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun continues to negotiate a Framework Administration of Justice Agreement with the Government of Canada. A Justice Committee is in place.

Implementation challenges include insufficient funding, a lack of human resources and lack of training.

Activities in 2010–11

In November 2010, a group of Members of Parliament were given a tour of the Kwanlin Dün community. They were members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.

Activities in 2010–11

After approximately 4 years of reviews and a year and a half of negotiations, the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation Council approved a new Financial Transfer Agreement on February 28, 2011. The new Financial Transfer Agreement came into effect on April 1, 2010 and expires on March 31, 2015.

The management plan for the Tsâwnjik Chu (Nordenskiold) Habitat Protection Area was finalized in April 2010 and signed off on October 29, 2010.

Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation has been working with the Government of Yukon to consider options for final reclamation of the BYG Mine.

There was little activity in negotiations of Programs and Services Transfer Agreements due to the shift in focus to the Financial Transfer Agreement negotiations. Specified Period Funding amendments were concluded for: National Anti-Drug Strategy; National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy; and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative.

Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and the other Self-Governing Yukon First Nations continued negotiations by way of a working group on a Yukon First Nation Labour Market Agreement.

A heritage working sub-group of the Implementation Working Group was established to develop a heritage manual pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Final Agreements. In January 2011, a Chapter 22 working group was also established; members held their first meeting on February 14, 2011 and approved a Memorandum of Understanding and Terms of Reference.

Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation joined Selkirk First Nation as interveners in Western Copper's application to the Yukon Water Board for a water licence for its Carmacks Copper project. The water licence was denied on May 10, 2010. Western Copper appealed the decision to the Yukon Supreme Court, which upheld the ruling in February 2011. In March 2011, the company appealed the Supreme Court decision to the Yukon Court of Appeal.

Construction continued on a new Health and Social Services Building and day care.

Activities in 2010–11

In April 2011, a new Chief and Council were elected.

Selkirk First Nation approved the new Financial Transfer Agreement in February 2011, after a year and a half of negotiations.

There was little activity in negotiations of Programs and Services Transfer Agreements due to the shift in focus to the Financial Transfer Agreement negotiations. Specified Period Funding amendments were concluded for: National Anti-Drug Strategy; National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy; and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative.

Selkirk First Nation and the other Self-Governing Yukon First Nations continued negotiations by way of a working group on a Yukon First Nation Labour Market Agreement.

A heritage working sub-group of the Implementation Working Group was established to develop a heritage manual pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Final Agreements. In January 2011, a Chapter 22 working group was also established; members held their first meeting on February 14, 2011 and approved a Memorandum of Understanding and Terms of Reference.

A new warehouse was constructed to house water delivery equipment.

An increase in activity in the mining sector required additional time and resources. This was a challenge for Selkirk First Nation's already understaffed department.

Selkirk First Nation is an affected First Nation in the Faro Mine remediation and is a party to the Oversight Committee. Discussions took place regarding contract opportunities.

Selkirk First Nation joined Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation as interveners in Western Copper's application to the Yukon Water Board for a water licence for its Carmacks Copper project. The water licence was denied on May 10, 2010. Western Copper appealed the decision to the Yukon Supreme Court, which upheld the ruling in February 2011. In March 2011, the company appealed the Supreme Court decision to the Yukon Court of Appeal.

Implementation of the cooperation agreement between Selkirk First Nation and Capstone Resources (operator of the Minto Mine, which is located on Selkirk First Nation's Category A land) was another challenge for staff, who did not have expertise in this area.

Activities in 2010–11

After a year and a half of negotiations, a new Financial Transfer Agreement was approved by the Executive Council in February 2011. The new Financial Transfer Agreement came into effect on April 1, 2010 and expires on March 31, 2015.

Preliminary discussions took place on the financing and effective delivery of programs and services, including an overview of current arrangements. The areas of priority are local government services, natural resources, heritage and development assessment.

On February 21, 2011, the Teslin Tlingit clan leaders and Teslin Tlingit Council's Chief Executive Officer Peter Johnston signed an Administration of Justice Agreement with the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon. The agreement was the result of more than a decade of negotiations and hard work by Teslin Tlingit Council's negotiating team and chief executive officers past and present. With the agreement Teslin Tlingit Council can implement negotiated justice responsibilities, including resolving and adjudicating Teslin Tlingit Law, constitution, legislation and disputes between clans.

There was little activity in negotiations of Programs and Services Transfer Agreements due to the shift in focus to the Financial Transfer Agreement negotiations. Specified Period Funding amendments were concluded on a National Anti-Drug Strategy; National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy; and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative.

Teslin Tlingit Council and the other Self-Governing Yukon First Nations continued negotiations by way of a working group on a Yukon First Nation Labour Market Agreement.

A heritage working sub-group of the Implementation Working Group was established to develop a heritage manual pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Final Agreements. In January 2011, a Chapter 22 working sub-group was also established; members held their first meeting on February 14, 2011 and approved a Memorandum of Understanding and Terms of Reference.

Teslin Tlingit Council contributed to and supports the development of a Government of Yukon Representative Public Service Plan under Schedule A of Chapter 22 of its Final Agreement.

Teslin Tlingit Council requested that the Yukon Land Use Planning Council start the regional land use planning process for the Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory, pursuant to Chapter 11 of its Final Agreement.

Teslin Tlingit Council started working towards a fully developed economic development strategy by initiating a 3 phase project called "Reviving Our Economy."

Activities in 2010–11

Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in and the Government of Canada agreed to a new Financial Transfer Agreement. The Financial Transfer Agreement provides enhanced resources for general governance responsibilities, but does not contain enhanced resources for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in's needs in the areas of programs and services or land claim implementation.

In January 2011, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in and the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Yukon Employees Union and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, pledging mutual support and cooperation. The Memorandum of Understanding contains provisions that protect union jobs when Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in assumes responsibility for government programs and services.

Activities in 2010–11

In November 2010, a new Chief and Council were elected. Since then, the Vuntut Gwitchin Government has put significant resources into departmental strategic planning, with a vision of upholding the Financial Transfer Agreement and Programs and Services Transfer Agreements and the governance models that were implemented 15 years ago.

The primary challenge faced by Yukon First Nations is successfully implementing their agreements.

When the new Chief and Council took office in January 2011, they reactivated the Porcupine Caribou lobby and received $15,000 from the Government of Yukon through a new contribution agreement for the 2010–11 fiscal year.

There was little activity in negotiations of Programs and Services Transfer Agreements due to the shift in focus to the Financial Transfer Agreement negotiations. Specified Period Funding amendments were concluded on a National Anti-Drug Strategy; National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy; and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative.

The Vuntut Gwitchin Government received $35,000 from the Government of Yukon for infrastructure. This money supports General Assembly Resolution 2009-15 to build a land-based cultural and wellness camp.

The Vuntut Gwitchin Government received $25,000 from Service Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program to build an elders camp, which will be based at the same location as the cultural camp.

On March 31, 2011, the Vuntut Gwitchin Government approved its First Appropriation Act. The budget, which totals $18,833,782, is the Vuntut Gwitchin Government's largest. It includes $4.685 million in major capital projects that are already underway.

Activities in 2010–11

On April 15, 2010, the Alsek Renewable Resources Council met with Government of Yukon and Parks Canada to work on ways to inform and educate the public about bear conflicts.

In April the Council attended the annual Renewable Resources Councils Chairs' meeting hosted by the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board.

Activities in 2010–11

The Carcross/Tagish Renewable Resources Council set up an office in the Tagish Community Hall and established operating and financial accountability policies and procedures as well as mechanisms to communicate with the public.

The Council hosted public meetings in Tagish, Marsh Lake and Carcross to raise awareness of its role and responsibilities in the Southern Lakes area.

The Council established positive working relationships with government biologists and conservation officers, and Carcross/Tagish First Nation Lands Branch personnel.

The Council underwent a financial audit in 2010–11.

Activities in 2010–11

The Carmacks Renewable Resources Council revised its operating procedures, incorporating a new financial policy to ensure that effective controls are in place.

The Council continued its community consultation on the revised Community Fish and Wildlife Work Plan.

The impact of mining exploration on the Klaza Caribou Herd is an ongoing concern.

Another ongoing challenge is meeting Final Agreement obligations to secure approximately 70 percent of traplines for First Nations people.

Activities in 2010–11

The Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council underwent a financial audit in 2010–11.

The Council continues to monitor the work being done by Yukon Energy Corporation on the Gladstone Lake diversion project.

The Council continues to work with the Government of Yukon to ensure that the sheep on Sheep Mountain have sufficient escape routes along the Alaska Highway.

The Council held 2 well-attended workshops: the first on being bear aware, and the other on snare making.

Activities in 2010–11

The Mayo District Renewable Resources Council sponsored 2 successful trapper training courses; Certification – 10 participants and Wolf Snaring – 4 participants.

The Council continued to work with Victoria Gold on the company's proposed Eagle Gold heap-leaching project. The Council held numerous community educational workshops.

Council members continue to be frustrated with the state of trapping in the Traditional Territory and in the Yukon in general.

There has been no follow up with the Government of Yukon on the timber harvest plans in the area under the new Forest Resources Act.

The implications throughout the watershed of Yukon Energy's Mayo B project continue to concern the Council.

Activities in 2010–11

The Selkirk Renewable Resources Council held several community meetings in both Pelly Crossing and Whitehorse regarding current activities and future plans for the Minto Mine. In some cases community meetings were followed by technical meetings.

The Council did not undertake any new projects this year. The Council continued to work on the food preservation handbook. The main goal of this initiative is to reduce the waste of meat and fish.

Council members (3) attended the March 2011 meeting of the Yukon River Panel in Whitehorse. It was very well attended, mostly by American participants.

The Council and the Selkirk First Nation Lands and Resources Department had 2 very successful community meetings. The goal was to strengthen communications and eliminate duplication of activities.

The Council had a booth at the Environment Fair in Whitehorse, Yukon in April 2010. The Council distributed information on the proposed Macmillan River Habitat Protection Area and awarded prizes to the participants who had learned most about the Habitat Protection Area.

The Northern Tutchone Renewable Resources Council is comprised of the 3 Renewable Resources Councils in the traditional territories in the Mayo, Pelly and Carmacks regions. Members of the Northern Tutchone Renewable Resources Council collaborate on issues of common concern.

The May Gathering is an annual event of the Northern Tutchone. It addresses concerns pertaining to the management of fish and wildlife and their habitat.

Activities in 2010–11

The Teslin Renewable Resources Council provided support for a Trapper Education Course, in April 2011, led by Frank Johnstone, a Teslin Renewable Resources Council member.

In March 2011, Government of Yukon Department of Environment staff retrieved satellite collars from 8 moose that were part of a 3 year study that ended this year. Throughout the project, the Teslin Renewable Resources Council and Teslin Tlingit Council received regular updates by the project team.

Council members cooked lunch for more than 100 people who came to Teslin Renewable Resources Council's annual community barbecue.

As partners in the management plan for the Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife Area, the Teslin Renewable Resources Council and the Teslin Tlingit Council continue to work with the Canadian Wildlife Services on matters related to the delta. The review of the plan will not be completed until the Government of Yukon and Environment Canada finalize regulatory and enforcement issues within the area.

The Teslin Lake Bird Observatory operated from August to early October, 2010. The Teslin Renewable Resources Council provides some financial support to the station.

Government of Yukon Department of Environment's Fish and Wildlife Branch conducted a survey of moose in the Nisutlin area in the late fall of 2010, in response to concerns about the population raised by Teslin residents, Teslin Tlingit Council and the Teslin Renewable Resources Council.

In the summer of 2010, Government of Yukon Department of Environment and the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board agreed to jointly undertake a review of the Yukon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. The Teslin Renewable Resources Council has sought a review of the plan since 1999. In February 2011, the Teslin Renewable Resources Council hosted a community workshop to allow area residents to meet with the committee that was reviewing the plan.

Activities in 2010–11

The Dispute Resolution Board held a workshop with the former Council of Yukon First Nations negotiator, Dave Joe, on August 6, 2010, to explore the history and intent of the Umbrella Final Agreement Chapter 26 (Dispute Resolution). A follow-up workshop was held in December 2010 with former Government of Yukon Negotiator, Barry Stuart.

In March 2011, the Board held a strategic planning session. The Board is in the process of implementing the goals identified in its 3 year plan. Main goals of the plan are to raise the profile of the Board and recruit more mediators and arbitrators with knowledge and experience of the aboriginal land claim process.

The Board received a request for mediation in March and contacted the parties to confirm their willingness to proceed to mediation.

The Board continues to field questions regarding the land claims enrollment process, to direct individuals to the appropriate First Nation and to assist First Nation citizenship offices when requested.

Activities in 2010–11

The First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, Gwich'in Tribal Council and Government of Yukon provided comments on the Recommended Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan, in late February, 2011.

Activities in 2010–11

The Yukon Indian People Training Trust supported 3 Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in projects: pursuit of excellence, cooperative education and post-secondary education.

The Training Policy Committee launched the Yukon Training Database on the website of the Yukon Mine Training Association.

The Committee issued a call for proposals for heritage and resources projects.

The Committee participated as a member and signatory for the Comprehensive Skills and Trades Training Strategy, part of the Government of Yukon Labour Market Framework.

The Committee coordinated the Umbrella Final Agreement Executive Directors' forum. The Committee also presented at the "First Nation Governance: Sharing Our Knowledge" conference. In addition, it sponsored the Assembly of First Nations conference, "Building on Success."

The Committee revised its reporting requirements for applications to the Yukon Indian People Training Trust.

Activities in 2010–11

The Board held 3 meetings to review place name submissions from various First Nations. It also held a recording session at the Yukon Native Language Centre to record Southern Tutchone place names submitted for consideration.

In October 2010, a Board member attended the annual meeting of the Geographic Names Board of Canada in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Aerial photo documentation takes place annually to provide complete information on place names recommended for approval by the Government of Yukon Minister of Tourism and Culture.

Engaging First Nations' expertise in the place names process is necessary, but there are challenges in resolving linguistic and jurisdictional issues.

Activities in 2010–11

The Yukon Heritage Resources Board continued to meet the quarterly financial and progress reporting obligations and annual audit obligation set out in its Transfer Payment Funding Agreement.

The Board completed the first phase of consultation with the parties to the Final Agreements on its draft rules of procedure for determining ownership of contested heritage resources.

The Board submitted input to the Chapter 13 Heritage Manual Drafting Committee regarding the scope and content of the manual and participated in committee meetings in an observer capacity.

The Board recommended that the wreck of the A.J. Goddard sternwheeler be designated a Yukon territorial historic site; the designation was finalized on June 9, 2010. Designation of Fort Selkirk as a territorial historic site, as previously recommended by the Board, was finalized on August 6, 2010. The Fort Selkirk site is co-owned and co-managed by the Government of Yukon and Selkirk First Nation under the terms set out in the Selkirk First Nation Final Agreement.

Board members participated in a wide variety of outreach activities, conferences, training, events, and information sessions throughout the year and continued to work in partnership with Yukon heritage groups to organize the Yukon Territorial Heritage Fair.

The Board initiated the process of creating a strategic plan to guide its activities for the next 5 years.

Activities in 2010–11

The Salmon Sub-Committee made recommendations to the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans regarding the 2010 Yukon River Salmon Allocation. The Sub-Committee concurred with the 2010 Salmon Harvest Management Plan and recommended that it be accepted pursuant to Chapter 16 of the Umbrella Final Agreement.

Sub-Committee members met with their American counterparts on the Yukon River Panel in Anchorage (December 2010) and Whitehorse (March 2011) to discuss management issues for the Yukon River drainage basin. The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Sub-Committee members caucused as a Canadian team prior to these meetings.

In an effort to make informed recommendations to the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans the Sub-Committee facilitated and attended numerous meetings with various groups, including First Nations, Non-Government Organizations, Renewable Resources Councils, federal government officials and commercial fishers.

The issues discussed at the Sub-Committee level included the Mayo B hydro-electric dam, the Yukon Energy's Gladstone Lake diversion project, the Council of Yukon First Nations Salmon Summit, the Yukon Queen II – a Yukon River tour boat operated by Holland America Cruise Ship Company and the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board process, Gulf of Alaska by-catch issue, and the Chinook Egg Transfer application.

Activities in 2010–11

In addition to fulfilling its legislative responsibilities, the Board has:

• translated and fine tuned the Board's new internet site;
• continued to update the Board member manual;
• developed a Board policy document;
• continued French translations of Board public documents;
• continued communications with industry, the public, and the governments of Yukon, Canada, and First Nations;
• participated in industry trade shows; and
• continued training initiatives for tribunal members.

No applications were made to the Board during the 2010–11 fiscal year.

Administration of Justice Agreements

Administration of Justice Agreements are being negotiated with 9 of Yukon's 11 Self-Governing Yukon First Nations. It is anticipated that the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon and Teslin Tlingit Council will sign an Administration of Justice Agreement in 2011, the first in the territory.

Intergovernmental Forum

The purpose of the Intergovernmental Forum is to develop a shared vision for governance in the Yukon within the context of the Final and Self-Government Agreements. The Forum's structure and the process it follows are set out in the Intergovernmental Forum Protocol. An Intergovernmental forum was held on July 26, 2010.

Programs and Services Transfer Agreements

Section 17 of the Self-Government Agreements allows First Nations to assume responsibilities and related funding for federal or territorial programming within their jurisdiction, as outlined in Section 13 of the Self-Government Agreements.

In 2010–11 agreements were reached with several First Nations on the assumption of responsibility for time-limited Health Canada programs. Negotiations also continued in the areas of heritage and aboriginal human resources development (federal government) as well as alcohol and drug services (territorial government). The parties' ability to reach agreements on these and other files was supported by a strong focus on renewing Financial Transfer Agreements, but was complicated by financial and other difficulties inherent in the assumption of responsibility by First Nations for Government of Yukon programs.

Financial Transfer Agreements

Renewed Self-Government Financial Transfer Agreements with 7 of the Self-Governing Yukon First Nations came into effect in April 2010. These agreements provided additional governance funding, a new approach to own source revenues and a process to discuss more efficient and effective delivery of programs and services by Self-Governing Yukon First Nations, Government of Yukon and Government of Canada. Negotiations also commenced with the remaining 4 Self-Governing Yukon First Nations regarding the renewal of Self-Government Financial Transfer Agreements, based on the current model.

Implementation

In response to a recommendation in the 2007 Implementation Review of Yukon First Nation Final and Self-Government Agreements, the Implementation Working Group continued to develop a mandate which would formalize its role for monitoring and resolving common implementation issues related to Yukon agreements.

Although significant progress has been made on development of the mandate, the Parties have been unable to reach agreement on how the Implementation Working Group will report to the signatories. Implementation Working Group members agreed to set aside mandate discussions.

A Communications Sub-Group to the Implementation Working Group was established and a work plan and budget were tabled at the Implementation Working Group meeting in June 2010. The Terms of Reference and Communications Strategy were approved on September 23, 2010. The first project undertaken was the development of a series of podcasts on Self-Government, Land Claims and Implementation. These podcasts will be launched in the next fiscal year.

The Implementation Working Group's 2010-11 annual work plan (Appendix 1) sets out collective priorities to track activities.

The parties continue to review Chapter 22 (Economic Development Measures) of the Final Agreements. The parties appointed a sub-group of the Implementation Working Group to develop a terms of reference and outline the next steps and time frame.

The 2007–09 biennial report on Yukon Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements was tabled in Parliament on June 23, 2011. The annual report has been redesigned in a shorter format, which will be used starting with the 2009–10 annual report.

A presentation on Yukon Self-Government and Implementation commitments continues to be delivered to federal departments operating in the Yukon Region.

Activities in 2010–11

The Whitehorse campus of the Canada School of Public Service delivered a broad variety of courses, including Dealing with Employee Performance; Leading Strategically; Grants and Contributions; Writing Reports; Writing Briefing Notes; Writing Agendas and Minutes; Essentials of Managing; Writing E-mails; Interpersonal Communications; Staffing; and Developing Work Plans and Budgets.

The Canada School of Public Service also hosted free armchair discussions on the Truth and Reconciliation Committee; Coaching vs. Mentoring; and Employee Engagement. Lunch and Learn sessions on Career Pathway; Conflict Resolution; and Managing Your Workplace Stress were also offered. Employees of First Nations participated in all sessions.

The School's Learning Advisor (appointed by the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) represents the Government of Canada on the Training Policy Committee and is a Yukon Indian People Training Trust trustee under the Umbrella Final Agreement.

The Canada School of Public Service had numerous discussions with the Council of Yukon First Nations regarding a Memorandum of Understanding to support capacity development through learning opportunities for First Nation governments in Yukon. The Learning Advisor provided facilitation and information at all meetings and events of the Yukon First Nation Public Service Initiative.

Activities in 2010–11

The Environmental Protection Operations Directorate worked with Yukon First Nations and boards/councils created under Final Agreements on initiatives in the areas of environmental assessment, contaminated sites, spills and emergencies.

The Directorate worked with the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board and Yukon First Nations to implement the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act; it also provided input on the 5 year review of the Act.

Environmental Protection Operations Directorate provided expert advice to the Yukon Water Board as a follow-up to the Decision Document and compliance promotion.

The Directorate provided advice and technical expertise to both the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun and Selkirk First Nation and contributed to developing capacity with these First Nations.

Activities in 2010–11

Canadian Wildlife Service, Northern Conservation Division worked with First Nations, governments, Boards and Renewable Resources Councils to complete the Management Plan for the Northern Mountain population of Woodland Caribou.

The Division worked collaboratively through the Porcupine Caribou Management Board on cooperative management of the Porcupine Caribou Herd.

In partnership with the Government of Yukon, the Division operated a conservation data centre focused on species listed in the Species at Risk Act.

Canadian Wildlife Service, Northern Conservation Division led the Arctic Borderlands Ecological Knowledge Co-op, along with First Nation, federal, territorial and state governments to monitor environmental change within the range of the Porcupine Caribou Herd and adjacent nearshore areas. The Division also led the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program to improve the coordination of existing biodiversity monitoring across the Arctic.

The Division worked with the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Carcross/Tagish First Nation and Ta'an Kwäch'än Council on mapping and inventory of Baikal sedge in the Southern Yukon.

Canadian Wildlife Service, Northern Conservation Division, through the Southern Lakes Wildlife Coordinating Committee, worked closely with Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council, Teslin Tlingit Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation to assess the status of wildlife and wildlife habitat in the Southern Lakes region.

The Division worked with the Teslin Renewable Resources Council to collaboratively manage the Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife Area.

Canadian Wildlife Service, Northern Conservation Division completed an assessment of the resources required for the division to fully implement the Yukon First Nation Final Agreements.

Activities in 2010–11

Joint Task Force North sent its Annual Activity Notification Letter to all of the Yukon First Nations and the Council of Yukon First Nations, the aim of which was to provide notification of planned JTFN activities taking place in the Yukon in fiscal year 2010-11, pursuant to 6.5.3 of the respective First Nations Final Agreements and the Umbrella Final Agreement.

Activities in 2010–11

Health Canada participated in the Programs and Services Transfer Agreement negotiations as required.

Activities in 2010–11

Public Safety Canada officials participated in the ongoing negotiations with the Teslin Tlingit Council on the implementation of its Administration of Justice Agreement and in the negotiations for Administration of Justice Agreement Framework Agreements between Canada, Yukon and several Yukon First Nations.

Officials from Public Safety Canada's Aboriginal Policing Directorate participate in implementation related activities in Yukon.

Activities 2010–11

Representatives from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Self-Governing Yukon First Nations continue to meet to work towards an Intergovernmental Agreement for First Nations to assume responsibility for Aboriginal Skills Development. These agreements would replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, the successor program to the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy.