In 1st of its kind, Yukon First Nation proclaims its own Heritage Act

The Tr'ondk Hwch'inFirst Nation has proclaimed a new Heritage Act, a first of its kind for Yukon First Nations.

"It affirms our inherent rights and defines our heritage and culture," said Chief Roberta Joseph.

The First Nations says the act supersedes some sections of existing legislation regarding historic and heritage resources in the Yukon and lays outa process for resolving disputes over ownership of heritage resources between Yukon First Nations.

Debbie Nagano, director of heritage for the First Nation says the act will safeguard Tr'ondk Hwch'in heritage.

It's the seventhact created by Tr'ondk Hwch'in since it became a self-governing First Nation in 1997.

"With every new piece of legislation, our First Nation gets stronger and closer to realizing the self-government agreements," said Nagano.

'The chance to define what our heritage is'

In practical terms, Naganosays the Heritage Act will give chief and council the ability to make regulations regarding stewardship and management of heritage sites as well as development within Tr'ondk Hwch'in traditional territory.

"It also lays out rules for what happens when someone finds a heritage resource within our traditional territory that may be related to the history and culture of our First Nation," said Nagano.

"Most of all, it gives us the ability to define what our heritage is. Most western governments take a narrower view of what a heritage resource isthan First Nations do."

For Tr'ondk Hwch'in, she says,heritage includes history, but also living culture and how it transmits through stories, families and a wayof life.

The act was developed collectively by citizens, elders, staff and other Yukon First Nations and was passed by the Tr'ondk Hwch'ingeneral assembly.

ChiefJoseph says it will be proclaimed by chief and council on Sept.8.

"Our new Heritage Act benefited from years of consultation, the hard work of staff, a collaboration with other Yukon First Nations, and the wisdom of our elders," said Joseph.