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COUNCIL FOR YUKON INDIANS SIGN UMBRELLA FINAL AGREEMENT/FOUR YUKON FIRST NATIONS SIGN LAND CLAIM AND SELF-GOVERNMENT AGREEMENTS

WHITEHORSE (May 29, 1993) -- Historic agreements on land claims and self-government were signed today to ensure the recognition and participation of Yukon First Nations in the political and economic development of the Yukon.

"The claim and self-government agreements will create a new and positive relationship between the governments of Canada, the Yukon and First Nations," said Judy Gingell, the Chairperson of the Council for Yukon Indians (CYI). "They will give Yukon First Nations the ability to govern themselves, jurisdiction over settlement lands and shared jurisdiction on non-settlement lands, generate tax revenue, and create laws. Certainty of ownership and jurisdiction over lands will help social, political and economic growth."

"Today's signing proves that, with a cooperative spirit and hard work, the process works. Resolution of the CYI land claim and the completion of self-government agreements (SGAs) are key factors in the development of the Yukon territory," said Tom Siddon, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND).

The Council for Yukon Indians' Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA) is a framework agreement which sets out the terms for final land claim settlements and SGAs with each of the Yukon's 14 First Nations. It was signed today in Whitehorse by Tom Siddon, Judy Gingell, and Yukon Government Leader John Ostashek. Final settlement agreements and SGAs for four Yukon First Nations -- the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, the Teslin Tlingit Council, and the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun -- were also signed with their leaders.

"The signing of these four Yukon First Nation Land Claims Agreements is truly historic because Yukoners have been waiting 20 years for this to happen. While we are rejoicing on this occasion, we must remember that 10 other Yukon First Nations are anxious to proceed with the settlement of their claims to traditional territory," said John Ostashek.

"The settling of these claims, through this 'made-in-the-Yukon' process, builds on a major goal of the federal government. The four final settlement agreements will, among other things, contribute to certainty of land title, and benefits will include cash, land, and participation in wildlife and other management boards. Vuntut National Park and part of the reserve for Kluane National Park will also be designated as National Parks through settlement agreements," said Minister Siddon.

The SGAs will give the four Yukon First Nations greater control over their own affairs and will contribute to greater political autonomy and economic self-reliance. They are the first where the majority of the First Nation citizens do not live on reserves or settlement lands and where a strong relationship exists between the governments and First Nations.

"The SGAs are innovative and tailored to the unique circumstances of First Nations in the Yukon. They represent a major accomplishment in advancing Aboriginal self-government in Canada, but will in no way prejudice any benefits which Yukon First Nations might obtain through any future constitutional process," Minister Siddon added.

"The signing ceremony is a significant event in the history of the First Nations of the Yukon. Our agreements will dramatically affect the rest of our lives and our children tomorrow," concluded Ms. Gingell. "Although there are still 10 Yukon First Nation communities to reach final agreements, we look forward to new partnerships and cooperation between all parties to successfully implement these historic agreements."

Third-party interests were taken into consideration in negotiating both the land claim agreements and SGAs, and third parties will be consulted in any future developments.

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