Updated Intergovernmental Forum Protocol agreement signed by leaders in Kwanlin (Whitehorse)
April 26, 2019 - Kwanlin (Whitehorse), Yukon - Crown-Indigenous Relations
Northern Affairs Canada - Indigenous Services Canada
At today's Intergovernmental Forum, Yukon First Nation Chiefs and Yukon's Deputy Premier signed an updated Protocol with two of Government of Canada Ministers. The partners committed to meaningful dialogue about reconciliation and the implementation of Yukon First Nation land claims and self-government agreements. By signing an updated Protocol, partners re-committed to ongoing government-to-government-to-government discussion and collective action around common priorities.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Deputy Premier of Yukon, Grand Chief Peter Johnston of the Council of Yukon First Nations, and the Yukon First Nation Chiefs welcomed the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, as the second federal Minister to join the Intergovernmental Forum. Having increased federal representation will enhance the Forum's ability to make progress on key shared priorities in the territory.
In addition to the signing of the renewed Protocol, today's meeting provided an opportunity for discussions on a number of shared priorities, including land use planning, child and family services, education, housing, and fiscal issues.
"The renewed Intergovernmental Forum Protocol re-affirms the commitment made by Canada, Yukon and First Nations to work together and achieve results based on a process that promotes the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. With the addition of Minister O'Regan to the Forum, we can make further progress on our shared priorities in Yukon. I look forward to continuing to work with Yukon First Nation Chiefs, the Grand Chief, the Premier and my federal colleagues as a part of this Forum, and to supporting our ongoing efforts towards reconciliation in the territory."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P., Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
"The Intergovernmental Forum is based on a simple, yet powerful idea; that the best way to solve difficult problems is through honest partnership and targeted collaboration. It was important for me to be here together with the Chiefs, the Grand Chief and the Deputy Premier to get a better understanding of the needs in the territory. This group of leaders is progressive and forward-looking, in no small measure due to the advanced nature of First Nation self-governance in Yukon, and to the commitment of all parties to work together to improve the quality of life of Yukon First Nation people. There's much work we can do together to support this, and I look forward to working on it together."
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services
"The Intergovernmental Forum provides an opportunity for Self-governing Yukon First Nations and the Governments of Canada and Yukon to strengthen relationships and identify common priorities and opportunities for collective action. Our renewed Intergovernmental Protocol reflects Yukon's broad relationship with the federal government, supports good governance and better represents our shared approach to reconciliation."
The Honourable Ranj Pillai
Deputy Premier of Yukon
"Yukon First Nations are pleased to have the inclusion of the Minister of Indigenous Services in the IGF Protocol. This will ensure Yukon First Nations have the opportunity to meet with two federal ministers to work on joint priorities."
Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Council of Yukon First Nations
Quick facts
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The Intergovernmental Forum was established in 2002, following the signing of land claim and self-government agreements by a number of Yukon First Nations, in order to create an opportunity for the signatories to the agreements to meet and strengthen intergovernmental relationships, the effective implementation of the agreements, and to work on other shared priorities. The Forum last updated its Protocol in 2007.
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Since early 2016, the Forum has met four times to work on common priorities, notably on the amendment and implementation of the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act. The last meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum took place in Kwanlin (which is the name for Whitehorse in the local Southern Tutchone language) on December 15, 2017.
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Of the 14 First Nations in Yukon, 11 have signed land claim and self-government agreements with the governments of Canada and Yukon, and are members of the Intergovernmental Forum. The three Yukon First Nations who have chosen not to
enter into land claims and self-government agreements are invited to attend Intergovernmental Forum meetings.
