First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun facts for kids

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (which means "First Nation of the Big River People" in English) is a group of Indigenous people who live in Yukon, Canada. Most of their community is in Mayo, Yukon. However, many members also live in other parts of Canada and the United States. The Na-Cho Nyäk Dun people have family connections to the Gwich'in people from the north and the Dene people from the east, as well as their main Northern Tutchone heritage. They are the most northern group who speak and follow the Northern Tutchone language and culture.

A Look Back: Na-Cho Nyäk Dun History

In 1870, the land of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun became part of Canada. This happened when Canada bought Rupert's Land and the Northwest Territory from the Hudson's Bay Company. Even though there was a rule from 1763 about making treaties with Indigenous peoples, no treaties were ever signed with the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. This was true for both the British and Canadian governments.

In 1883, gold was found on the Stewart River. Sadly, no one tried to protect the rights of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun people at that time. The town of Mayo was not even built until 1903. In the 1920s, the government's Indian Affairs department started to help the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. The Mayo Indian band was officially formed in the 1950s. They later changed their name to the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun in the 1980s. By 1997, there were 434 people in the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation.

Language of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun

The original language spoken by the people of this First Nation is the Northern Tutchone language. It is an important part of their heritage.

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Culture and Traditions

The members of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation work hard to keep their cultural practices alive. They continue to live off the land, just as their ancestors did. They also keep their traditional ways of life strong.

Working Together: Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Affiliations

The Na-Cho Nyäk Dun are part of the Northern Tutchone Tribal Council. Other First Nations, like the First Nation of Selkirk and the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, are also members. This council helps deal with important issues and shared resources that affect all their communities.

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Traditional Territory

This First Nation has a very large historical territory. It includes many beautiful rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges. Their homelands have some of the most amazing and untouched rivers in the backcountry. This makes them great for wilderness tourism.

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun was one of the first four First Nations to sign a Yukon land claims agreement. This important agreement was signed in 1995.

By 2006, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun owned a lot of land through their Umbrella Final Agreement. This included 2,408.69 square kilometers of Category A land and 2,330.99 square kilometers of Category B land. Their traditional territory is in the northeast part of Yukon, with the village of Mayo at its center.

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Politics and Self-Government

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun has been very active in the Land Claims movement since 1973. In 1984, their members helped the Council of Yukon First Nations when negotiations broke down. The main issues at that time were self-government and keeping their Indigenous rights. These important points were finally included in agreements made in 1993. The Final and Self-Government Agreements with Yukon and Canada were signed on May 29, 1993. They officially started on February 14, 1995.

How the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Government Works

The Na-Cho Nyäk Dun government has several parts. These include the Assembly, the Council, the Chief, and the Deputy Chief. They also have an Elders Council, an External Relations Council, and a Youth Council. All these groups work together to lead their community. They also have their own Tribal Justice System.

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Final Agreement (1993)

This important agreement was signed on May 29, 1993. It follows the larger Umbrella Final Agreement. It officially states the rights and benefits of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun within their own territory. The agreement gave about 1,830 square miles of land to the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. It also set rules for using resources, managing historical sites, and protecting burial grounds. The town of Mayo became the main administrative center. The Yukon and Canadian governments must now talk with the First Nation before making decisions within Na-Cho Nyäk Dun boundaries. Canada also provided financial support of $14,554,654 over fifteen years.

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Self-Government Agreement (1993)

This agreement was also signed on May 29, 1993. It was a big step. It changed the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun from a band managed by the Indian Act to a self-governing First Nation. This means they have more control over their own affairs.

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun vs. Yukon (2017)

On December 1, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada heard an appeal about a land use plan for the Peel Watershed in Yukon. The Na-Cho Nyäk Dun were successful in challenging Yukon's plan. The Supreme Court said that Yukon had not followed the rules set in the Umbrella Final Agreement. The court ruled that Yukon could only change its past positions if it did so fairly and honestly.

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Economy

Many members of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun also hold jobs wherever they live.

Mining in Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Territory

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun has a long history with mining. The Keno Hill mines, for example, have been active since the 1910s.

A silver mining company called Alexco made agreements with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. Their mining work in the traditional territory grew from exploring to developing and then producing minerals. A special agreement, called the Comprehensive Cooperation and Benefits Agreement, guides how Alexco works with Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. This agreement recognizes the Indigenous rights and land ownership of the First Nation. It also respects the mining leases and other property rights at Keno Hill.

Protecting the Environment: Peel Watershed Plan

On August 22, 2019, several groups signed the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan. These groups included the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, the Gwich'in Tribal Council, the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation, the Vuntut Gwitch'in Government, and the Government of the Yukon. The plan was created to protect over 67,000 square kilometers of wilderness in the watershed region. This area was used by the ancestors of the four First Nations.

The plan states that 83 percent of the region will be a conservation area. The remaining 17 percent will have different levels of development. Originally in 2014, the Yukon government wanted to allow mining in 70 percent of the Peel Watershed. However, this plan was rejected by the Supreme Court of Canada in the case of First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun v. Yukon in 2017.

The Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan has eight main goals:

• Keeping the wilderness natural.
• Protecting the environment's health.
• Making sure water quantity, quality, and flow are maintained.
• Restoring disturbed lands back to their natural state.
• Saving historical and cultural resources.
• Creating economic opportunities.
• Reducing conflicts over land use.
• Keeping options open for future land use.