'It took a long time': Kwanlin Dn First Nation celebrates new Lands Act

After years of planning and negotiations, theKwanlin DnFirst Nation (KDFN) is celebrating the finalization of its modern Lands Act,Nan kay shwthn Dk'anta ch'e.

"People have been waiting a long, long time for this day," said Chief Doris Bill on Tuesday.

The act allows the First Nation to allocate settlement land to its citizens, which they canuse for residential and traditional purposes.

Land allocations "can pass down generation to generation," said Bill.

KDFN can also lease land out to citizens and the general public.

The First Nation is the largest private landowner in Whitehorse, owninga total 1,042 sq.kmof settlement land.

The new Lands Act also gives KDFN authority to create and enforce lawson settlement land, said the First Nation's economic advisorRick O'Brien, who's also a former chief. He said that can protect against things like dumping and illegal land use.

According to Bill, developing the act meant creating an entire land management system from scratch.She said the act is dedicated to elders and others who worked to make the act happen.

"We've been laying the groundwork for this modern act for years," said Bill. "We did it on our terms and with involvement from our citizens.

"This act is also for our youth and our future citizens not born yet, so that they can have access and a connection to our land forever."

KDFN beneficiaries and citizens can apply for the land allocations, which grantexclusive rights to theland with no time limit.

There are already350 existing claims to land, which the First Nation will process before accepting new submissions.

The First Nation can also lease landfor a fixed term, which is also available tothe general public. Banks can secure financing on leases.

O'Brien said the act will help move the First Nation to a more equitable position.

"Our citizens are able to now build assets, instead of having assets that depreciate," said O'Brien.

"We're evolving into a new era as our younger generation steps up to the plate."

The act is called Nan kay shwthn Dk'anta ch'ewhich means"we all look after our land," in Southern Tutchone. It came into effect on Oct.15.

Executive Elder Judy Gingell thought back to the1970s. She acknowledged the foresight of the elders on the negotiation team, many of whom are now deceased.

"I'm so overwhelmed," saidGingell, who is former chair of the Council of Yukon First Nations.

"It took a long time to get where we're at today."

Bill said the act comes on a key anniversary, after the KDFN celebrated 15 years of self government.

KDFN will start issuing land in 2021.