The Tr'ondek Hwech'in and Na-cho Nyak Dun say they can support the new Peel plan even though it falls short of their expectations.
They issued the following news release this week:
The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Na-Cho Nyak Dun want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Peel Planning Commission in bringing forward a final recommended Peel River Watershed Land Use Plan.
This has not been an easy task. But the Commission honoured the principles in our Agreements, listened to the people in Yukon, and in the end brought forward a balanced recommendation for the Parties’ consideration. Thanks for your perseverance.
As we previously stated, we believe that 100% of the watershed deserves protection. This area has unparalleled natural and cultural values for our peoples. And unlike most of the Yukon, the lands and waters in this ecosystem are still pristine. If push comes to shove, we are prepared to defend this position.
But this is not the time for entrenched positions and political grandstanding. As an avenue to find consensus with the government of Yukon we are prepared to support this recommendation. We would like to see the mining industry support this consensus as well.
We believe this recommendation provides all of the diverse interests in Yukon the opportunity to close ranks in the public interest.
“It’s time to set aside our differences and work together,” said Na-Cho Nyak Dun Chief Simon Mervyn. “We’re willing to support the final recommendation in order to protect the core values of the Peel.”
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Chief Eddie Taylor reflected, “We hoped for more protection, but are prepared to support this recommendation if the other Parties do the same. We look forward to engaging with the public and the government of Yukon to complete this process.”
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