Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #06-006
January 11, 2006
Oil And Gas Royalties Flow To Carcross/Tagish First Nation
WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government has delivered a cheque for $388,085 to the Carcross/Tagish First Nation for its share of royalties from the Kotaneelee fund.
The Carcross/Tagish First Nation became eligible for the funds when their Final Agreement became effective Jan. 9.
"We are pleased to present the Carcross/Tagish First Nation government with these funds, which have been held in trust in the Kotaneelee Fund," Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang said.
Prior to the transfer of oil and gas to the Yukon in 1998, and in accordance with the Canada Yukon Oil and Gas Accord, the federal government collected the Crown royalty on behalf of the Yukon government. Crown royalties collected from natural gas wells during this period were held in the Kotaneelee Fund.
Including this payment to the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, a total of $4.2 million from the Kotaneelee fund has been paid to Yukon First Nations to date.
"Oil and gas activity provides a number of benefits to First Nations and Yukoners, such as employment, training, and business opportunities," Lang said. "In addition to the Kotaneelee fund payment, annual royalty revenue provides a direct benefit to Yukoners and First Nations, and these benefits will only increase as we develop Yukon's oil and gas sector."
"I am pleased to be able to accept this payment on behalf of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation," Khà Shâde Héni Mark Wedge said.
"These royalties will allow our First Nation to plan for the future and enhance business and employment opportunities for our members."
All eleven First Nations with settled land claims receive a share of Yukon's Crown royalty on an annual basis, in accordance with their Final Agreements.
Attachment: Photo
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Tara O’Donovan |
| Cabinet Communications | Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 667-5809 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | tara.odonovan@gov.yk.ca |
Premier Dennis Fentie presenting royalty cheque to
Khà Shâde Héni Mark Wedge, Carcross/Tagish First Nation