The Conference Board of Canada recently stated that the future of mining in Yukon will be determined by the status of government relationships with First Nations. Its report stated that, “It’s only possible to the extent as well that we settle some of the land claims. This patchwork across Canada, in terms of settled and non-settled, land is a huge impediment to growth, and we can’t stress enough in the report the need for cooperation between government, industry and aboriginal groups.”

Thus far, the Yukon government has failed dramatically on that front, hurting both the economy and the environment, the WRFN said.

“WRFN formally notified governments of our traditional use in the area long before this gold discovery was ever made,” said WRFN Councilor Patrick Johnny. “YESAB in their report assessing this project confirmed WRFN use, along with use by other First Nations. Yet WRFN has learned that YTG tried to license this project by neglecting to deal with WRFN. That will not happen.”

The White River First Nation is one of three aboriginal groups in Yukon Territory that have settled land claims with Canada and Yukon and maintains un-surrendered Aboriginal rights and title to its traditional territory.

“WRFN was shocked to learn from YTG that they permitted this project without consulting and accommodating us, through an admitted oversight on the part of YTG. We have heard very little from the company or YTG, yet they are infringing on our rights and title. They should be reading the recent Court of Appeal decision won by Ross River Dena Council. They should understand from our legal challenge to the decision by YTG to reverse the YESAB recommendation to not authorize a Class 3 Mining License to Tarsis Mining shows that WRFN is firmly committed to control over natural resources in our Territory,” said WRFN Chief Charles Eikland Jr.

Johnny added, “For too long government and industry have taken WRFN goodwill regarding our Aboriginal rights and title to our traditional territory for granted. Canada and Yukon have made few attempts to meaningfully engage with us outside of the UFA Land Claims process, which WRFN rejected. WRFN and Government need a new approach to resolving long standing issues through negotiations.

WRFN is willing to work with governments to create more certainty for all. The way things have been done in the past is no longer acceptable in WRFN Traditional Territory.”

The First Nation said Yukon Premier Dennis Pasloski’s meetings with Canada’s prime minister should have the issue of the unresolved WRFN rights and title issues on the agenda. The Gavin Fitch Report commissioned by Canada and submitted to the minister for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in March 2008 has not been acted upon by Canada. This is causing economic uncertainty for the Yukon and concern for WRFN, according to the group.