Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #10-017
February 4, 2010
Letter of Understanding signed on Peel watershed planning process
WHITEHORSE – The parties tasked with completing the Peel Watershed planning process have signed a joint letter of understanding (LOU) outlining their commitment to move forward on the work needed to continue the Peel Regional Land Use Planning review and approval process.
“The Peel region has significant cultural, environmental, and economic value, and the Parties are committed to continue to work collaboratively to enable progress on the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use planning process,” Premier Dennis Fentie said.
The Parties acknowledge their commitments under the respective First Nation Final Agreements, and as such, will continue to follow the processes outlined in Chapter 11 of the Final Agreements which relates to regional land use planning in Yukon.
The First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, Gwich’in Tribal Council, and the Government of Yukon have agreed to work collaboratively towards a number of key milestones in the planning process:
- Plan review (internal and intergovernmental) to be completed by May 2010;
- Public consultation to be completed by October 2010; and,
- Response to the Peel Watershed Planning Commission by December 2010, or sooner if possible.
The Parties will work collaboratively towards a final plan that incorporates a variety of land use activities within the Peel watershed and addresses the interests of the Parties in a balanced manner.
“The Parties acknowledge that the Peel watershed is important to the region’s Aboriginal peoples and has environmental, social, cultural and economic values of tremendous importance as well as having national and international values,” First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun Chief Simon Mervyn said.
The objective of regional land use planning in Yukon is to provide guidance to First Nation and public government in Yukon for the integrated management of lands and resources in order to ensure sustainable development and sound environmental stewardship while minimizing land use conflicts.
Through visits to the affected communities, the Parties will provide opportunities for the public and other stakeholders to offer their perspectives to the Parties on the Recommended Plan.
For a copy of the LOU and more information on the Peel Watershed Regional Planning process, visit www.emr.gov.yk.ca.
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Roxanne Vallevand
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Mark Roberts
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Albert Peter
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Chief Joe Linklater
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Tim Gerberding
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Richard Nerysoo
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