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

September 2, 2026 – Leaders from the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, and the City of Whitehorse gathered at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre today for a meeting of the Tri-Council Assembly.

The meeting provided an opportunity for leaders of the three governments to discuss shared priorities and emerging issues, coordinate engagement with territorial and federal partners, and celebrate successes of collaboration for the people of Whitehorse.

Discussions covered the rapid growth of Whitehorse and its associated impacts on housing, land development, and energy as well as the legal and regulatory context governing mineral activities within Whitehorse city limits.

Leaders also discussed the designation of Whitehorse as a Northern Operational Support Hub, as announced by Prime Minister Carney in March 2026, and the need for increased engagement with the federal government around defence spending to advance Arctic sovereignty and security.

The three governments are working in partnership with the Government of Yukon to develop a management plan for the recently established Chasàn Chùa Territorial Park, which protects approximately 36 square kilometres of land in a highly sensitive ecological area of Whitehorse.

Collaborative work is also underway on land and economic development opportunities and other initiatives to address the needs of all residents of Whitehorse.

The relationship between the three governments is guided by a Declaration of Commitment, which 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.

To further this collaborative approach, Chief Massie, Chief Smith and Mayor Cameron have reaffirmed the Declaration of Commitment and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, support coordination of projects and advocacy efforts, and provide a framework for regular ongoing meetings and cooperative planning.

Quotes
“Good relationships between governments are critical to the future of Whitehorse. This MOU strengthens the relationship between Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the City of Whitehorse by creating a regular opportunity to talk, plan and work together on development initiatives that matter to our citizens and our community. It creates a regular forum for meaningful dialogue, cooperation and advocacy on shared priorities, while fully respecting the distinct governments, mandates and authorities of each of the three parties.”

– Ta’an Kwäch’än Chief Ruth Massie

“Kwanlin Dün First Nation is looking forward to continue working alongside the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the City of Whitehorse, kwäshäw shäw ajeskwädla (working in a good way). The renewal of this formal tri-council commitment ensures we are meeting regularly to discuss priorities, challenges and successes. As Whitehorse continues to grow, this partnership provides an important opportunity for our three governments to work together in a way that reflects our shared responsibilities to the land, our communities and future generations. Kwäshäw shä̀wníthän to the leadership, staff and citizens that have created important connections and work to implement Reconciliation between CoW, TKC and KDFN.”

– Chief Sean Uyenets’echᶖa Smith

“As Whitehorse continues to experience rapid development, collaboration is key to ensuring our city grows in a way that is sustainable and continues to meet the needs of our citizens. The City of Whitehorse is committed to working in partnership with the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and we are pleased to reaffirm the Declaration of Commitment. Signing this Memorandum of Understanding further builds on our strong government-to-government relationships and breathes life into the Tri-Council Assembly as a forum of ongoing respectful collaboration for the benefit of all citizens of Whitehorse. ”

– Whitehorse Mayor Kirk Cameron

Media Contacts
Janet Smellie
Communications Officer
Ta’an Kwach’an Council
[email protected]
867-334-5298

Rae Mombourquette
Communications Manager
Kwanlin Dün First Nation
[email protected]
867-332-3859

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