NationTalk: The Government of Yukon and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government released the What We Heard Report on the Recommended Plan for the Dawson Region. The development of a land use plan for the Dawson region is a significant priority for both the Government of Yukon and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. The consultation period ran for 90 days and ended in December 2022. During that time Yukoners were asked to provide feedback on the current version of the Plan via survey, written submissions and community meetings held in Dawson City, Mayo, Old Crow and Whitehorse.

The report contains over 180 online survey responses, approximately 100 in person conversations with individuals, and 51 formal written submissions from First Nations, stakeholders and individuals. The feedback  received will help to guide and inform the government-to-government dialogue prior to determining if the parties should accept, reject or propose modifications to the Recommended Plan.

Both governments want to thank all Yukoners for providing their valuable input into this important process. This engagement is helping to achieve a significant milestone in the implementation of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in’s Final Agreement and the creation of a meaningful land use plan for the Dawson region.

Find out what Yukoners had to say about the Recommended Plan here.

Developing a comprehensive land use plan for Dawson is a priority for both our government and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government, and we thank all Yukoners who actively participated in the consultation. Your valuable input, including 180 online survey responses, 100 in-person conversations, and 51 written submissions, will guide our government-to-government discussions on the Recommended Plan. This marks a significant milestone in implementing Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in’s Final Agreement and creating a meaningful land use plan for the Dawson region.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker

I want to thank everyone who took the time to give their thoughtful and insightful feedback on the Recommended Dawson Regional Land Use Plan. Your valuable input will play a significant role in shaping the future of this region. The Government of Yukon and our planning partner the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government will carefully assess this feedback as we progress to the next phases of the planning process.

Minister of Environment Nils Clarke

On behalf of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Council, I’d like to express my sincere appreciation to our citizens and all others who have offered their voice to this important process. Community consultation is a fundamental step in regional land use planning, along with meaningful implementation of our Final Agreement and upholding treaty obligations. The What We Heard Report will be key in supporting the next steps in this important process.

Hähkè Darren Taylor, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in

Quick facts

• The Dawson planning region covers 39,854 square kilometres, or approximately ten per cent of the Yukon. It has a distinctive landscape, that is home to deep-rooted, inherent cultural traditions and vibrant ecosystems.
• The vision for the area emphasizes shared responsibilities that centre on a diverse economy, protecting a rich cultural legacy, maintaining a healthy environment and respectful use of natural resources.
• The Recommended Plan divides the planning region into 21 land management units.
• The units are broken down into distinct categories which are called: Special Management Area (31.1 per cent), Integrated Stewardship Area (57.5 per cent), Tombstone Territorial Park (5.3 per cent), Sub-Regional Planning (2.8 per cent), or Community Area (Dawson) (0.2 per cent).
• Each land management unit in the plan has specific recommendations pertaining to land use.
• The Dawson Regional Land Use Plan, as outlined in the mandate letters of Premier Pillai, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker, and Minister of Environment Nils Clarke, represents progress towards advancing land use planning across the Yukon.

Backgrounder

• The Draft Plan was developed by the Dawson Regional Planning Commission and public feedback for that draft concluded in November 2021.
• The Commission incorporated the public feedback and the parties provided their comments to the Commission up until the release of the Recommended Plan.
• The Commission handed over the Recommended Plan to the Parties in June 2022.
• Engagement for the Recommended Plan concluded in December 2022.

Media contact

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Jesse Devost
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-332-1177
Jesse.Devost@yukon.ca

Linea Volkering,
Communications, Environment
867-332-2688
Linea.volkering@yukon.ca

Valerie Gayle Williams
Communications, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
867-993-2954
valerie.williams@trondek.ca