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Government of Yukon and Liard First Nation sign political protocol to renew government-to-government relationship

Press Release

September 25, 2024

This is a joint news release with Liard First Nation.

On Monday, September 23, Liard First Nation Chief Stephen Charlie and Premier Ranj Pillai renewed their government-to-government relationship by signing a Political Protocol in Watson Lake. This agreement provides a foundation for a respectful partnership and collaboration as the two governments work to advance Liard First Nation’s self-determination.

At the meeting, Premier Pillai, Chief Charlie and Liard First Nation Council members discussed how to collaborate on shared priorities including the management of natural resources, economic development, land planning and development.

Government-to-government protocols serve to formalize existing partnerships and identify new initiatives to improve services for citizens. This approach promotes relationship building and reconciliation at the operational level, providing a transparent process and action plan for collaboration. The Government of Yukon will continue to meet regularly with Yukon First Nations to address their evolving community needs and priorities.

We are pleased to be strengthening our relationship with Liard First Nation, embracing a true commitment to reconciliation through meaningful collaboration. This Political Protocol allows us to identify and implement new ways of advancing Liard First Nation’s self-determination. By working in partnership, we will address local priorities and create lasting improvements that benefit Liard First Nation Citizens and all who reside in the Watson Lake area.

Premier Ranj Pillai

Effective public government in Kaska territory in Yukon can only come from the appropriate implementation of Kaska rights and title in every aspect of Yukon government policy, procedures, and legislation. Liard First Nation, in our role as a public government, is committed to assisting the Yukon government achieve this understanding. A step towards that is the political protocol between Liard First Nation and the Yukon government. This agreement is common sense and practical. Our agreement formalizes the necessary, regular, high-level discussions between Liard First Nation and the Yukon government at the Cabinet and Premier’s level, that are necessary to move our governments towards meaningful benefits and away from conflict, confusion, and lost opportunities for all involved.

Liard First Nation Chief Stephen Charlie

Quick facts

  • The signing was part of a leadership meeting between the Premier and Liard First Nation Chief and Council members.
  • Under the Political Protocol, the leadership of Government of Yukon and Liard First Nation agree to meet annually to share information and discuss priorities.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Brigitte Parker
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-332-0004
brigitte.parker@yukon.ca

Marie Skidmore
Executive Director, Liard First Nation
867-536-7901
executive.director@liardfirstnation.ca

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