Liard River First Nation facts for kids
The Liard River First Nation (pronounced "lee-ahrd") is a group of Indigenous people who live in the southeastern Yukon territory in Canada. Their main communities are Upper Liard and Watson Lake, both located along the famous Alaska Highway.
About the Liard River First Nation
The people of the Liard River First Nation originally spoke a language called Kaska. Today, the First Nation is part of the Kaska Tribal Council. This council works to settle land claims in the Yukon and northern British Columbia. This means they are working with the government to decide who owns and manages certain lands that have historically belonged to the Kaska people. The official government number for this First Nation is 502.
Their Community and People
In June 2011, there were 1,152 people officially registered as members of the Liard River First Nation. These numbers help us understand the size of their community.
Their Traditional Lands
The Liard River First Nation has several special areas of land called Indian reserves. These are lands set aside for the use and benefit of the First Nation. They are managed by the First Nation government.
Some of these reserves include:
- Blue River IR No.1: This reserve is located where the Blue River meets the Dease River.
- Dease River IR No.2: Found a bit northeast of where the Blue and Dease Rivers meet.
- Dease River Indian Reserve No.3: On the Dease River, across from the mouth of the Rapid River.
- Horse Ranch IR No.4: Located at Horse Ranch Pass.
- Liard River IR No.3: On the Liard River, south of Lower Post.
- McDames Creek IR No.3: On the Dease River, near the mouth of McDame Creek.
- Mosquito Creek IR No.5: On the Major Hart River, which flows into the Turnagain River.
- Muddy River IR No.1: On the Liard River, along the Alaska Highway.
- One Mile Point IR No.1: At the northern end of Dease Lake, where the Dease River begins.
