Learn how the government consults and engages with Indigenous governments and groups

The Government of Yukon consults with Indigenous governments and groups before making decisions or taking actions that could adversely impact Indigenous rights in the Yukon. 

We also engage with Indigenous governments and groups as a matter of good governance, even when there’s no potential adverse impact to Indigenous rights. 

Consultation and engagement with Indigenous governments and groups help us make the best decisions for developing programs and services for Yukoners.

Indigenous governments and groups include:

• Yukon First Nations; and
• transboundary Nations with treaties and asserted Indigenous rights and territories in the Yukon.

Why we consult and engage

• To understand how proposed decisions and actions could impact Indigenous rights, and how to minimize those impacts
• To strengthen cooperation and collaboration between our governments, especially in relation to topics where 2 or more governments have the ability to make laws
• To consider and include Indigenous governments and groups’ views and interests 

How we consult and engage

We aim to consult and engage with Indigenous governments and groups in a meaningful way. Meaningful consultation and engagement strengthens our relationships and meets our legal obligations (where applicable). 

We do this by:

• starting to consult or engage as early as possible;
• providing clear, detailed information on what’s being considered;
• ensuring reasonable time is provided for Indigenous governments and groups to prepare their views and respond;
• seeking to understand their views through meetings and discussions;
• explaining how their views and interests were considered when decisions are made;
• limiting adverse impacts to Indigenous rights; and
• discussing accommodations or compensation if significant adverse impacts to rights cannot be limited.