Consultations Started on Changes to the Wildlife Act

FOR RELEASE #07-194
September 18, 2007

WHITEHORSE – Environment Minister Dennis Fentie announced today that the Yukon government has started a formal process to consult with Yukon First Nations as well as the Tetlit Gwich’in and the Inuvialuit of the Mackenzie Delta on proposals to make the Wildlife Act consistent with land claims agreements.

“The government’s proposed changes stem from the obligation to make the Wildlife Act consistent with the Yukon land claims agreements,” Fentie said. “The department is using the formal consultation protocols to make sure that all parties are fully involved in this consultation initiative.”The minister said the formal consultation was in keeping with the Yukon government’s commitment to fully honour land claim agreements and to work cooperatively with First Nations governments to coordinate the management of settlement lands and public lands.

Fentie said the commitment to consult will also involve renewable resource councils, management boards and non-government organizations about the proposed Wildlife Act changes.

“We are also encouraging First Nations who do not have formal agreements to adopt that process for this initiative so that all First Nations have fair and equal access to the process,” Fentie added.

A complete information package is being sent to all Yukon First Nations, as well as the Tetlit Gwich’in and the Inuvialuit, to help facilitate the formal consultation period from Sept. 17 to Dec. 21. A copy of the information booklet is available for viewing on the Environment Yukon website.

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Contact

Roxanne Vallevant
Cabinet Communications
(867) 633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Dennis Senger
Communications, Environment
(867) 667-5237
dennis.senger@gov.yk.ca