City of Whitehorse, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Gather for Tri-Council Assembly

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Leaders from the City of Whitehorse, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council gathered in downtown Whitehorse today to celebrate the continued success and evolution of their longstanding partnership. Today’s Tri-Council Assembly marks the first formal meeting of all three governments in over a year, reaffirming a shared commitment to collaboration and collective decision-making.

The relationship between the three governments is guided by a Declaration of Commitment signed in 2018. The Declaration acknowledges that the City of Whitehorse is located on the traditional territories shared by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and commits the three parties to maintaining open communication and to holding regular meetings to advance mutual priorities.

Today’s assembly provided a dedicated forum for leadership to discuss issues of common interest, strengthen joint advocacy efforts, and identify shared priorities that benefit all residents of Whitehorse.

Earlier this year, the three governments worked in partnership with the Government of Yukon to establish Chasàn Chùa Territorial Park, which protects approximately 36 square kilometres of land in a highly sensitive ecological area of Whitehorse. Collaborative work is also happening to advance land and economic development opportunities to manage Whitehorse’s rapidly growing population.

Quotes:

“The Tri-Council Assembly is important for all three governments. As an urban First Nation, alongside Kwanlin Dün First Nation, it is essential that our perspectives help guide all decisions related to growth – especially when it comes to compatible land-use planning, and future economic opportunities. Whitehorse is growing faster than anywhere else in the country, and it is crucial that our governments work together. We have made meaningful progress in ensuring our cultural presence and languages are honoured, and now we need to strengthen that collaboration across all areas of community development — including matters related to zoning and master planning.”

– Ta’an Kwäch’än Chief Ruth Massie

“It takes time, trust and a lot of communication to navigate the complexities of three governments and communities sharing land. Working together in the spirit of relationship-building allowed for Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än and the City of Whitehorse to accomplish projects such as the creation of Chasàn Chùa Territorial Park, which will leave a positive legacy for future generations. This is perhaps the most significant and visible result of collaboration in the past several years, but the scope of our work together is immense, and we are grateful for the opportunity for continued dialogue so we can ensure decisions are made in the best interest of those who share our love and care for this land we call home.”

– Chief Sean Uyenets’echᶖa Smith

“Whitehorse has come a long way since it was established as a municipality 75 years ago, especially when it comes to engaging with the First Nations on whose traditional territories the city resides. As the capital of the Yukon and one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, it is critical that we work in partnership with the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation to support the citizens of Whitehorse. I look forward to strengthening our partnerships so that we can develop our community in a sustainable way that meets the needs of our citizens.”

– Whitehorse Mayor Kirk Cameron

 

Contacts:

Janet Smellie
Communications Officer
Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
[email protected]
867-334-5298

Meribeth Deen
Communications Manager
Kwanlin Dün First Nation
[email protected]
867-332-3106

Matthew Cameron
Manager, Strategic Communications
City of Whitehorse
[email protected]
867-689-0515