Plans to establish a national park in the Teetł’it Gwinjik (Peel River) watershed in the Yukon have made significant progress following the completion of a feasibility study that lends support to the initiative. The feasibility assessment was carried out by the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, and both the Yukon and federal governments. Subsequently, a “collaboration accord” has been signed by the involved parties to move forward with negotiations for an establishment agreement.
Grand Chief Frederick Blake Jr. of the Gwich’in Tribal Council emphasized the importance of ongoing engagements and consultations as the governments work towards finalizing the agreement. He highlighted the necessity of community support in the establishment of a protected area, whether it be an IPCA (Indigenous Protected & Conserved Area), national park, or another form. The goal is to have the agreement ratified by March 2026.
This development marks a significant milestone in the efforts to safeguard the expansive watershed that has been the subject of a prolonged legal dispute, culminating in a Supreme Court of Canada ruling. Chief Dawna Hope of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation reflected on the challenges faced in protecting the area, particularly in crafting and defending the regional land use plan. She emphasized the ancestral stewardship responsibilities tied to preserving the area for cultural practices and sustenance during difficult times.
Chief Hope also expressed optimism about the potential economic benefits that the national park could bring to the region. She underscored the importance of diversifying revenue streams beyond mineral activities, noting the broader value of the land beyond its mineral resources. The Peel River watershed, spanning nearly 3,000 square kilometers, is highlighted by the Yukon government as one of the largest intact ecosystems in Canada, showcasing diverse features such as wetlands, forests, river canyons, lakes, and riparian forests.
