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KLUANE FIRST NATION SIGNS HISTORIC LAND CLAIM AND SELF-GOVERNMENT AGREEMENTS

BURWASH LANDING, YUKON (October 18, 2003) - Representatives of the Kluane First Nation, the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada signed the Kluane First Nation Final and Self-Government Agreements at a ceremony today in Burwash Landing.

The agreements provide the Kluane First Nation with new law-making authority and more effective tools to manage and protect its land and resources, preserve and enrich its culture and way of life, and enhance the economic growth and well being of its community.

"I am very pleased that Kluane First Nation will become the ninth self-governing Yukon First Nation," said Bob Dickson, Chief of the Kluane First Nation. "The agreements that are being signed today mark a new beginning for Kluane First Nation, one that will ensure that the new Kluane First Nation government will become true partners in all matters pertaining to our Traditional Territory and our people. Today we are truly "Honoring our Past and Strengthening our Future."

"This is an important milestone in the development of First Nations government in the Yukon,"said Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. "I am pleased to be part of the celebrations for such an achievement. The Government of Canada welcomes our new government-to-government relationship with you."

"Today's successes are evidence of everyone's good faith," Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie said. "Everybody has worked diligently to make this day happen and should be commended for their hard work and dedication. The Yukon government looks forward to working with our newest self-governing First Nation."

"I'm delighted that a wonderful people, who have inhabited one of the most beautiful parts of Canada for generations, will again be able to govern it in order to enrich and preserve their culture," added Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for the Yukon. "This agreement will ensure a better quality of life for future generations to come."

Under these agreements, the Kluane First Nation will retain approximately 913 square kilometres of land as settlement lands. The First Nation will have mineral, oil and gas rights on 647 square kilometers of its settlement lands. It will also receive about $13.5 million in compensation, adjusted for inflation, less the negotiating loans repayment, over the next 15 years, as well as an additional one-time payment of $2.9 million to effectively re-index compensation dollars. Kluane First Nation will also receive approximately $4.54 million for economic development, training and education projects.

Unique provisions in the Kluane First Nation Final Agreement include the commitment to establish three Special Management Areas:

• the Asi Keyi Park Natural Environment Park which includes the Klutlan Glacier
  
• Habitat Protection Area at Pickhandle Lakes, and
  
• the Tachal Region of Kluane National Park

Under the Final Agreement, Kluane First Nation will have a role in the management of these areas, as well as specific rights for fish and wildlife harvesting, and economic and employment opportunities. The Final Agreement also provides guaranteed wildlife harvesting rights and participation in decision-making bodies dealing with renewable resources management on non-settlement land within KFN traditional territory.

Under its Self-Government Agreement, the Kluane First Nation will have the authority to enact certain laws on its Settlement Lands, including laws with respect to fish and wildlife harvesting. The Kluane First Nation will also have the power to deliver programs and services and enact laws for its citizens in the Yukon over a wide range of matters including language, culture, health care, education, training and social services.

The Kluane First Nation is the ninth Yukon First Nation to sign its agreements negotiated under the Umbrella Final Agreement. The agreements are expected to be brought into effect early next year by Order-in-Council.

This news release, backgrounders, and the Kluane First Nation Final and Self-Government Agreements are available on the Internet at: www.gov.yk.ca/news.

For further information please contact:

Kluane First Nation

Robin Bradasch
Chief Negotiator
(867) 841-5501

Government of Yukon

Samantha McCulloch
Communications Officer
(867) 667-8850

Government of Canada

Susan Beaumont
Communications Officer
(867) 667-3803

Backgrounder - Kluane First Nation - Final And Self-Government Agreements

Backgrounder - Kluane First Nation - Final And Self-Government Agreements - Highlights

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