Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council facts for kids

The Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) is a special group made up of 66 First Nations and tribes. These groups live along the long Yukon River in Alaska and Canada. The YRITWC works hard to protect the river and keep it clean for everyone.

Our Dream for the River

The YRITWC has a clear dream: "To be able to drink water directly from the Yukon River." This shows how much they want the river to be healthy and clean.

How It Started

The YRITWC began in 1997. Many Indigenous governments living near the Yukon River decided to work together. They wanted to find solutions for environmental problems affecting the river and the land around it. Groups from Yukon Territory and British Columbia in Canada, and from Alaska, signed an agreement. This agreement, called the Yukon River Watershed Inter-Tribal Accord, set up the YRITWC.

The YRITWC is a group that advises, speaks up for, and checks on the river. It has two main goals:

• To protect the environment of the river's watershed (the area of land that drains into the river).
• To keep the culture strong for the Indigenous communities who rely on the river.

What We Do

The Yukon River Inter-Tribal Council focuses on five main areas:

• Mining
• Water quality
• Brownfields (old, possibly polluted sites)
• Solid waste (trash)
• Science

The YRITWC uses the traditional knowledge of Indigenous people to understand science. They also use this knowledge to create programs. These programs help fight against climate change and harm to the environment in the Yukon River Basin.

Scientists have found that melting permafrost (ground that stays frozen) is changing the water in the Yukon River. This is one of many changes happening because of climate change. Researchers from the USGS studied water samples from the Yukon and Tanana rivers for 30 years. They found that as permafrost melts and refreezes, water moves deeper into the ground. This water then carries more materials into the rivers.

Tests show higher amounts of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfates in the water. While these might not be harmful now, they could become a health concern later. The YRITWC also watches for mercury, which is a substance that can harm the brain.

How We Get Money

The YRITWC gets its money from government groups and private projects. They also accept donations from people who want to help.