By Albert Drapeau, Executive Director, Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce
Yukon First Nations have called this land home from time immemorial. Over time, change occurs to the landscape, the environment, and the people. The discovery of gold provided a firsthand view about how quickly change can happen and the need to adapt to these changes. Over the years, mining has become a major contributor to the Yukon’s economy. Yukoners have made a living working in the mining sector or in sectors that support the mining industry.
Back in 1973, when Elijah Smith and the contingent of Yukon First Nation representatives presented Together Today for Our Children of Tomorrow to Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, they envisioned a world where Yukon First Nation people were actively participating and contributing to the Yukon. In it, Yukon First Nations stated:
“The Yukon Indian people must play an important part in the development of the Yukon. If we are to take part in the social, economic and political life of this country we must have a solid economic base. We must have a chance to help plan the future of this land if we are going to benefit from its development.” (The Yukon Indian People, 1973, p. 21).
This is saying that Yukon First Nations need to be a part of society, to have the resources to do the work, and to be in control of their destiny. There is not a way to turn back, but rather, the need to look forward and adapt to changes faced by Yukon First Nation people.
This document was the basis of today’s Yukon Land Claim Final Agreements and Self-Government Agreements that 11 of the 14 Yukon First Nations have signed. These agreements provide Yukon First Nation governments authority to govern their settlement lands and people. The agreements provide for meaningful participation in all facets of the Yukon, including economic development and the land and resources within their traditional territories.
Over the past decades, the shift that occurred in the mining sector has witnessed the incorporation of new technology and practices, but most importantly, the building of relationships with Yukon First Nations. Mining investors and the mining companies’ CEOs understand that involving Yukon First Nations from the onset of a project is needed. As with any relationship, it is imperative to take the time to learn about the First Nation, its people, and values. It is also important to explain the project and it is valuable to build trust. One thing to remember is that when a project is located in an overlap territory, relationships need to be developed with each First Nation, and the important key here is that each have differing engagement protocols. Therefore, it is important to establish a rapport with the First Nation leadership and development corporation.
In 2014, the founding members of the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce identified the gap of industry needing to learn more about Yukon First Nation protocols, values, and communication methods. The founding members from Yukon First Nation Development Corporations, industry (including the mining sector), and service sector formed the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce to foster relationship building and expand on existing networks.
Upon reflection on Together Today for Our Children of Tomorrow, the opportunity for Yukon First Nation businesses to participate in the mining sector exists. Procurement, employment, and partnership opportunities are mechanisms that are used to increase wealth for the Yukon First Nation people and contribute to Yukon’s economy. The Yukon First Nation leaders of 1973 envisioned building a solid economic base needed for Yukon First Nations to “…help plan the future of this land”.
The Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce’s mandate is to introduce and foster relationships between the mining sector, industry, and Yukon First Nation Development Corporations. Hosting events and conferences that promote dialogue and network building; hosting forums and workshops; and by introducing the CEOs to the mining sectors representatives, all help to build the connection. Yukon is small and we need to work together to prosper. The Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce believes that when Yukon First Nations succeed, so too does the Yukon business community and all Yukoners.
Yukon First Nations will be here for generations to come, this is our home and our livelihood. Our predecessors thought about us and defined the path, our generation is now implementing that path and investing in our future as we work for our next generations to come.
Sources
The Yukon Indian People, (1973), Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, Charters Publishing Company Limited.
