Governance

Yukon land claim and self-government agreements and the Yukon Government Devolution Transfer Agreement have changed the face of governance in the Yukon and, consequently, the relationships between Self-governing Yukon First Nations, the Government of Yukon, and the Government of Canada. The AANDC Yukon Region focuses on providing support for intergovernmental relations, effective governance and First Nation governance institutions. There are two main areas of responsibility:

• Intergovernmental Affairs; and,
• Negotiations and Implementation

As a result of self-governance, Yukon First Nations with agreements have many of the same law-making abilities and programs and services responsibilities as the territorial Government. In their jurisdiction, Yukon First Nations:

• Collaborate with the federal and territorial governments in a government-to-government-to government relationship
• Manage and provide programs for all their citizens throughout the Yukon
• Ensure that their programs and services are comparable to those provided across the territory.

Self-governing Yukon First Nations (SGYFNs) have rights and benefits under their final agreements and power over their lands, resources, and the management and administration of their governments. With only a few exceptions, the Indian Act no longer applies to these First Nations, their citizens or to settlement land.