The Teetł'it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed is in northeast Yukon, near the Yukon-Northwest Territories border. It is a unique northern area with stunning landscapes of forests, free-flowing rivers and wildlife. It is located within the Traditional Territories of the Gwich'in and Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and the Gwich'in Settlement Region. The Teetł'it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed is central to their traditions, cultures and ways of life. Part of this watershed is being considered for the creation of a proposed new national park.
Study area
The study area is located in the northeast part of the Teetł'it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed. It is almost 3,000 square kilometres in size - that's about half the size of Prince Edward Island. This area features river canyons, scattered lakes and riparian forests. These wetlands and forest habitats are important for caribou, fish and other animals. It is also an area of great cultural and spiritual value to the Gwich'in and Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
History of this initiative
The possibility of protecting portions of the Peel Watershed as a national park was first raised by the Gwich'in Tribal Council during implementation of the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan. The Plan identifies the study area as a Special Management Area, earmarking it for permanent protection and joint management. A national park designation was identified as a possible method of implementing these goals and commitments.
Feasibility assessment
On April 19, 2024, the Gwich'in Tribal Council, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, Parks Canada and the Government of Yukon signed a Collaboration Accord. The 2024 Collaboration Accord outlined commitments for the Parties to conduct a feasibility assessment for the proposed national park.
The feasibility assessment included careful consideration of spiritual, cultural, environmental and socio-economic values in this area, as well as consultation with Gwich'in leadership and participants, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun leadership and citizens, stakeholders and the public. Engagement and consultation occurred throughout the feasibility assessment process and provided an opportunity for all those interested to provide their input on key considerations in establishing a potential national park in the Teetł'it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed.
This process highlighted the spiritual, cultural, environmental and socio-economic importance of the Teetł'it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed and demonstrated its special place in the hearts of the Gwich'in and Na-Cho Nyäk Dun communities, as well as many stakeholders and members of the public. The outcomes of the feasibility assessment are summarized in the feasibility assessment report.
Next Steps
The next stage in the process is for the Parties to begin negotiating an establishment agreement. This agreement will outline how the proposed national park would be managed and protected. A new national park will only be created with the full support of all Parties - each must approve and sign the final agreement. This phase represents a significant opportunity to co-develop a shared vision for stewardship, cultural continuity, and long-term protection of one of Canada's most ecologically and spiritually significant landscapes.
