This is a joint release from the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Traditional laws are at the heart of a new joint plan for the future of Yukon Southern Lakes Salmon
WHITEHORSE — The Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN), the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council (TKC), and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) are pleased to co-release “Connecting the Broken Salmon Trail: Our Relationship with Southern Lakes Salmon.” This plan aims to restore and prioritize the critical role of salmon in the cultures, languages, landscapes, and laws of the three self-governing First Nations.
“Connecting the Broken Salmon Trail” is not a technical plan, harvest management plan, nor political document. It brings together the TKC, KDFN, and C/TFN, and as salmon people. It acknowledges the vital role that salmon play in family connections through fish camps, cultural knowledge transfer, and ceremonial practices. And the plan recognizes the significant historical and ongoing cultural impacts and losses that have affected salmon and the people involved.
At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to upholding the traditional laws of SHARING, CARING, RESPECT, and TEACHING. Both traditional knowledge and Western science will guide the shared vision and strategy for salmon stewardship in the three First Nations’ traditional territories.
“Connecting the Broken Salmon Trail” was developed over three years with guidance from respected Elders and citizens. It was funded by the Yukon River Panel’s Restoration and Enhancement Fund.
The three First Nation Governments are currently working on a complementary Implementation Plan that includes initiatives and resources to support salmon.
Read the plan at kwanlindun.com/connecting-the-broken-salmon-trail
Quotes:
“Since time immemorial, our nations have co-existed in a deep relationship with the air, land and water. For many reasons our connection to salmon and the salmon trail along our great rivers and lakes has been cut off. Kwanlin / Tagish people have always been salmon people and will continue to do what we can to support salmon through these unprecedented times.”
- Chief Sean Smith, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
“We commit to working with each other to regain our connection, support their recovery and honour their presence. We will work to connect the broken salmon trail and ensure they are back on the landscape again, just like we worked to restore Southern Lakes caribou.”
- Ḵaa Shaadé Hení Benoit, Carcross/Tagish First Nations
“Connecting the Broken Salmon Trail plan symbolizes our deep respect for the salmon and the interwoven connections between our culture, our land, and our people. This plan allows us to honor our ancestors’ teachings while ensuring the well-being of future generations.”
- Chief Amanda Leas, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council:
For media inquiries or more information about the Connecting the Broken Salmon Trail plan, please contact:
KDFN Communications
Dylan MacNeil, Acting Communications Manager
Dylan.MacNeil@KDFN.net
867-332-3106
TKC Communications
Janet Smellie, Communications Coordinator
Communicationsoffice@taan.ca
867-668-3613, ext. 204
C/TFN Communications
Max Leighton, Communications Advisor
Communications@ctfn.ca
867-332-9463