First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Rejects Framework for New Minerals Legislation

Press Release

July 30, 2025

Mayo, Yukon – In a letter sent today, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (“FNNND”) advised Premier Pemberton that it rejects Yukon Government’s framework for new minerals legislation. FNNND has worked diligently and in good faith for years, actively and thoughtfully participating in efforts to modernize Yukon’s mineral regime, first through the Yukon Mineral Development Strategy, and then as committed members of the Steering Committee for the co-development of new minerals legislation. Those efforts, to FNNND’s disappointment, have proved unsuccessful. Yukon Government refused to advance the systemic change required to ensure mining occurs sustainably, respects First Nation rights, and promotes responsible stewardship of the environment. Yukon Government tabled its framework on June 27, and Cabinet plans to review it on July 31.

“The framework for new mineral legislation that Yukon Government tabled is a complete disappointment. It is at best a modest improvement on the status quo,” FNNND Chief Dawna Hope said. “The time for modest improvements is over. Yukon Government has allowed unsustainable mining to continue for generations. They sat back and allowed an unsafe mine to continue operating on our territory, and our people will be paying the price of the Eagle Gold Mine catastrophe for generations. In the aftermath of the Eagle Gold Mine disaster, FNNND is unwilling to accept anything less than a full overhaul of Yukon’s mining regime. Sadly, Yukon Government was simply not willing to make the fundamental changes required.”

FNNND has been actively working with Yukon Government and other First Nations for more than four years, trying in good faith to co-develop legislation that works for all parties. Unfortunately, FNNND’s rights and interests were always treated as secondary to the interests of Yukon Government and industry. “FNNND worked hard to develop new mining legislation that is based on respect for our rights and treaties. Yet at every turn, our rights were ignored and our voice was unheard. Our interests were discarded. The outcomes we sought were unilaterally rejected by Yukon Government representatives time and again,” Chief Hope said.

FNNND expended significant time and resources to engage in this process, with technical representatives attending more than 50 Steering Committee sessions and leadership attending numerous Chiefs Committee on Mining meetings over the past four years. Our active participation ensured that Yukon Government was aware of our priorities and our concerns from day one. Moreover, Yukon Government financial support fell far short of what was required for FNNND’s deep engagement on this file. “FNNND had to utilize its own funds to participate in this process—taking dollars away from FNNND-driven initiatives around land use planning, health and well-being, housing, and other critical priorities—with the hope that we would, finally, fundamentally overhaul Yukon’s mining regime to respect our Aboriginal and treaty rights,” Chief Hope said. “It is with grave disappointment that we report our objective remains unmet and it does not appear it will be met in the life of this government. Moving forward, mining in FNNND’s territory will be governed by our own Mining Policy, as directed by our citizens.”

No interviews will be scheduled at this time.

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Frey, Communications Contractor, First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun

frey@sarahfrey.ca

867-689-8514

IBF4