Traditional Knowledge Circle
We are a group of respected Yukon First Nation elders who provide advice to the Yukon Land Use Planning Council on land and water relationship planning in the Yukon.
The Story of Our Logo
Our visual identity is rich with symbolism, featuring the Fireweed, the Wolf and Crow clans, and the cycles of nature.
We consider the significance of Indigenous peoples’ knowledge of the management, the stewardship and sustainable use of the land and its resources.
We work to contribute and support the integration of land management effectively, by advocating for the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge ways of knowing, that is based upon Indigenous stewardship and relationship with the land and their physical interactions with their physical environment.
Shirlee Frost
I was raised in the time of no pollution, we drank from the rivers and streams, gathered and harvested with the seasons. We ate traditional foods that nourished our bodies, and we lived in harmony with Mother Nature and the bounties she provided. We were taught the Original Laws- to care for the land, water, animals, birds, fish and plants as thought they were family. The wisdom of the Land speaks to us. That's why Chapter 11 is pivotal to help bring balance and wise decisions caring our Homelands.
Carl Sidney
Shirlee Frost
Angie Joseph-Rear
Gary Darbyshire
Hammond Dick
Roland Peter
Franklin Patterson Jr.
Colleen James
North Yukon and Peel Watershed Processes
Much effort was put into hearing and documenting traditional knowledge in both the North Yukon and Peel Watershed processes. While this knowledge helped guide the development of these plans, it was not readily apparent in them.
Indigenous Planning and Traditional Knowledge Advisory Group formed
Council established the Indigenous Planning and Traditional Knowledge Advisory Group to begin work of exploring the shift towards land relationship planning.
Advancing Land Use Planning in the Yukon Workshop Series
A series of workshops organized by the Council with support of CYFN and Yukon Government. It was well attended by a diverse group of people including representatives from Yukon First Nations, Yukon government, past planning Commission staff and the Council.
Review of Traditional Knowledge in Regional Planning
The Council contracted Planner Gillian McKee to do a literary review of the use of traditional knowledge in northern regional land use plans.
Land Relationship Gathering (virtual)
The Indigenous Planning and Traditional Knowledge advisory group coordinated and led a Land Relationship Gathering. The outcomes include a set of themes and actions for consideration in regional planning.
Dawson Recommended Regional Plan
Building on the previous planning processes, the Dawson Regional Planning Commission incorporated traditional knowledge throughout the plan. This is reflected in the plan’s vision statement, “Nän käk ndä tr’ädäl” (On the land we walk together), the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Land Vision (Tr’ëhudè), and the concept of ancestral stewardship.
Formal Recommendation
The Council made a number of formal Recommendations including the embrace of Indigenous Planning approaches.
Land Relationship Workshop
Over two days, Council and staff listened to elders from around Yukon to help better understand how knowledge and experience of Yukon First Nations People can achieve effective land use Planning .
Traditional Knowledge Circle established
The Indigenous Planning and Traditional Knowledge group redefined themselves as the Traditional Knowledge Circle.
Land Relationship Gathering
This on-the-land event at Brooks Brook was attended by Elders from across the Yukon, First Nations lands & resources Staff, Council of Yukon First Nations staff, and UFA boards and committees. This Gathering helped the Circle and YLUPC identify ways to embrace Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Ways in our work.
Lands Relationship Gathering 2024
We are working towards a on-the-land gathering on the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. The tentative date for this event is July 23-25. The theme for discussion is “Empowering Relationships”. This event will be by invitation only.
A video produced for the 2021 Land Relationship Gathering.
We respect and promote Yukon Final Agreements, especially the following provisions:
11.1.1.4 Objective: “to utilize the knowledge and experience of Yukon Indian People in order to achieve effective land use planning.”
11.4.5.5 Commissions “shall use the knowledge and traditional experience of Yukon Indian People, and the knowledge and experience of other residents of the planning region.”
11.4.5.6 Commissions “shall take into account oral forms of communication and traditional land management practices of Yukon Indian People.”
11.4.5.7 Commissions “shall promote the well-being of Yukon Indian People, other residents of the planning region, the communities, and the Yukon as a whole, while having regard to the interests of other Canadians.”
