Indigenous Planning and Traditional Knowledge
Yukon Land Use Planning Council has recommended that regional planning embrace Indigenous planning approaches and concepts throughout the regional planning process.
The Council is recommending a shift of the planning process under Chapter 11 to land relationship planning as a value-centered, collaborative process founded on relationships and with responsibilities for land, water, animals, and each other. This process would give full consideration to indigenous knowledge, values and planning concepts.
Background:
In 2020, the Indigenous Planning and Traditional Knowledge Advisory Group was formed by the Council to begin work of exploring the shift towards land relationship planning.
In November 2021, the advisory group coordinated and led a Land Relationship Gathering. The outcome included a set of themes and actions for consideration in regional planning.
In August 2022, the Council made formal Recommendations which included the embrace of Indigenous Planning approaches.
At a September 2022 meeting of YLUPC, the Council provided direction to staff to clarify the role of the advisory committee and expand the membership to include broader First Nation membership.
In June 2023, the Indigenous Planning and Traditional Knowledge Committee held their first meeting and redefined themselves as the Traditional Knowledge Circle.
Specific Chapter 11 sections of relevance include:
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.”
Recent Progress:
On August 29 & 30, the Traditional Knowledge Circle hosted the 2023 Land Relationship Gathering at Brooks Brook. The event was attended by Elders from across the Yukon, First Nations lands & resources Staff, Council of Yukon First Nations staff, and UFA boards and committees. Proceedings from this gathering will be available on this page once they are ready.
Documents
