This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Carcross/Tagish First Nation.
The Kusawa Park Management Plan has officially been adopted by the Government of Yukon, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Carcross/Tagish First Nation. The management plan represents a significant step forward in management and protection of the park.
The management plan sets a long-term path to protect the park’s natural and cultural resources, guides future decisions and supports collaboration between governments on caring for the land for future generations. It provides direction on governance, zoning and access, while guiding recreational use, commercial activities and facility development. It emphasizes protecting ecological, cultural and heritage values and supports education, interpretation and ongoing research and monitoring.
The development of the management plan began in 2008, guided by the Kusawa Park Steering Committee, which includes representatives each of the of the four governments. The Steering Committee held extensive discussions with First Nations communities, land holders within and adjacent to the park, other stakeholders and the broader public. Signing the management plan recognizes many years of work by the four parties, the Steering Committee and all those who participated in providing their vision for how this area is managed into the future.
The three First Nations and the Government of Yukon will form a Park Management Committee to review the plan and set implementation priorities, keeping the plan’s vision in mind. This vision includes ensuring “many hearts and hands work together, tending a campfire to which all are welcomed”, signifying the importance of managing the park for a diversity of values and uses.
I was elated to participate in the announcement of the Kusawa Park Management Plan, which is mandated by the Final Agreements of Carcross/Tagish First Nation and Kwanlin Dun First Nation. This has been a long-time coming, as C/TFN celebrates the 20th anniversary in 2025 of the signing of the C/TFN Final Agreement. We have been working really hard, for many years, in monitoring and protecting our traditional territory in the area included within Kusawa Park. Given the significantly increasing Yukon population and associated pressure on beautiful, pristine areas such as this, I am very gratified that we have a commitment to continue monitoring and protecting Kusawa Park.
Kusawa Park is traditionally and culturally important to many Champagne and Aishihik First Nations families, our Elders knew this area well and their knowledge has been passed down to us. It is now our turn to ensure that Kusawa is managed for our future generations
Kwanlin Dun First Nation, Champagne and Aishihik First Nation, and Carcross/ Tagish First Nation join Government of Yukon in a stewardship commitment to the Kusuwa Lake area. The First Nations in partnership with Yukon Government have achieved a unified vision and shared commitment to protecting the natural beauty and cultural significance of this area, referred to as Dänkwanje (Southern Tutchone) as Nakhù Män – raft crossing lake. The lake is now called Kusuwa – which in Łingit means long narrow lake.
I acknowledge and appreciate the rich history shared in this area by Elders from the three Self-Governing First Nations. Their teachings about pre-contact history, the use of the land and water, and the location of historical landmarks are essential to preserving this area with care and integrity.
While I understand that more work lies ahead, I want to take a moment to acknowledge this significant milestone achieved through the dedication of all the leadership and staff who made this vision a reality. Today, we stand proud – committed to ensuring that every generation who visits this place understands its significance and carries that respect forward.
The Kusawa Management Plan is a powerful milestone of four governments coming together and it sets a course for us to steward Kusawa’s lands, waters, stories and knowledge with care, respect and shared responsibility. Signing this plan recognizes all those who have put so much effort over the years into developing and finalizing this plan, including Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Carcross/Tagish First Nation government representatives, Elders and Citizens and many others.
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Park visitors will not see or experience immediate changes when visiting the park or using its facilities.
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The Kusawa Park Steering Committee, made up of representatives from the four governments, finished most of the management plan in 2016 after working with stakeholders. In 2024, once capacity and resources allowed, the committee reconvened to review the plan and agreed to move forward with having it signed by all four governments.
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Kusawa Territorial Park was established in 2016 and is an outcome of Carcross/Tagish First Nations and Kwanlin Dün First Nation's Final Agreements.
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First Nations people have ancient and enduring ties with the Kusawa area. Today, contemporary First Nations maintain strong cultural connections to the Kusawa area through their cabins, camps, and land use practices as well as through the history and the stories they keep alive.
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The park includes portions of the Yukon-Stikine Highlands and Yukon Southern Lakes ecological-regions and contains important physical and biological features, as well as archeological, historical and cultural sites.
Dylan MacNeil
Communications Manager, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
867-332-3106
[email protected]
Mike Rudyk
Communication Manager, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
867-456-4888
[email protected]
David MacMartin
Excutive Director, Carcross/Tagish First Nation
867-821-4251
[email protected]
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Jake Wilson
Communications, Environment
867-334-8390
[email protected]