Artwork: Yukon Graphic Recording

INTENT STATEMENT

This LMU is made up of multiple Settlement Land parcels within the boundaries of Tombstone Territorial Park. Settlement Land parcels within the park boundaries are not included in the Tombstone Territorial Park Management Plan, which otherwise provides a comprehensive description of the area and values, allowable activities and management direction.

The vision for these areas is largely aligned with the park’s establishment objectives under the THFA, particularly recognizing and protecting a natural area abundant in wildlife, and a place rich in historic and contemporary Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in use. Future management should see Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in directing the stewardship and development of these areas in ways that complement the surrounding landscape. While the Settlement Land parcels and non-Settlement Land are distinct, management of the park and the LMU will affect each other, and values in this LMU will likely be found throughout the park.

The area as a whole supports excellent caribou, grizzly and black bear, moose, and sheep populations. These species have been sustainably harvested by subsistence hunters for thousands of years. The LMU overlaps with an active outfitting concession, traplines, and associated infrastructure. These parcels are important places for Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in to continue practising their culture and connecting to their history. Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in have used this area for generations, as evidenced by ancient campfire hearths, stone tools, and more recent hunting and fishing camps.

This LMU is designated as an ISA 1 to afford it the highest level of protection that can be exclusively managed by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. This complements the surrounding non-Settlement Land in Tombstone Territorial Park, which was designated as a natural environment park as part of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Final Agreement. The park was selected for its tourism potential, archaeological, historical and cultural resources, mineral potential, wildlife resources, and viewing opportunities, and is an exceptional attraction for contemporary recreation and tourism. The Dempster Highway sub-regional plan will be directly adjacent to some of the parcels that make up this LMU.

TR’ËHUDÈ AND STEWARDSHIP

“That’s a God country there ‘cause there’s a lot of game there, everything there, so people from all over use that country because it’s pretty wealthy for game and caribou, sheep, you name it, they all there.”

– Percy Henry, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Citizen

LMU DIRECTIONS

1. Mineral development is allowed within existing mineral tenure. Withdraw all other lands from placer and quartz mineral staking.
2. New access is strongly discouraged. Where access is required, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in would have sole authority over access to the Settlement Land. If access routes include segments on non-Settlement Land, access must be co-managed by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and the Government of Yukon.
3. Existing access within the Settlement Land parcels is managed exclusively by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
4. This area is located within important caribou herd ranges. It is crucial to maintain key caribou migration pathways and to minimize disturbance to key habitat. Stewardship Directions for the caribou overlays (Section 5.3.4) must be followed.
5. Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in should have the primary responsibility for managing this area through the establishment of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area.