According to a July 29 news release, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Pauline Frost recently met in the remote northern community of Old Crow to sign the accord, which will “provide a practical way for governments to formalize … collaborative initiatives to improve programs and services for citizens.”
The accord will “promote relationship building through collaboration and reconciliation between the governments at the operational level.”
“While this will provide a practical and transparent way to work together by setting out a process and action plan for collaboration, the Government of Yukon will continue to meet with and hear directly from Yukon First Nations governments on their community priorities and needs on an ongoing basis,” states the release.
Pillai said one of Yukon’s “overarching priorities is to strengthen relationships and work respectfully with First Nations” in the name of reconciliation.
“This government-to-government accord builds on the foundation of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final and Self-Government Agreements and outlines our shared path forward on addressing community needs and priorities,” said Pillai in a statement. “We look forward to working with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to bring tangible benefits to Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens and all who live in Old Crow.”
Frost called the accord “a challenge” to be met by both Vuntut Gwitchin and the government.
“It calls on us to co-ordinate our efforts so that we can bring practical and long-term benefits to each and every member of our community,” said Frost. “This accord affirms that over the next decade, working toward community wellness — for individuals, families, and the whole community — will remain at the centre of the work of our government.”
Under the agreement, the government and Vuntut Gwitchin will “meet at least annually to discuss the progress of the accord.”
According to a Yukon government webpage on First Nation community profiles, Old Crow “is the only Yukon community located north of the Arctic Circle”; it sits on the banks of the Porcupine River, in the far north, and is accessible only by plane or by river, and occasionally by “winter road.”
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