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How We Walk with the Land and Water holds two open houses

Friday, 19 April 2024 at 10:37

By Stuart Bonell X @BonellStuart

The How We Walk with the Land and Water open house was divided by season. The spring corner displayed predicted glacial retreat based on historical melt data. (Photo: S. Bonell)

The open houses gave citizens and relations an opportunity to share their vision for the Southern Lakes Region

How We Walk with the Land and Water hosted an open house at the Mount McIntyre Recreational Centre on April 16. The event, titled Stronger Together – One Family, One World, welcomed citizens and relations from Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Carcross/Tagish First Nation to share their vision for the Southern Lakes Region.

Carcross/Tagish First Nation Elder Charlie James wishes that this work had begun 20 years ago, but is still excited about the work being done at How We Walk with the Land and Water. Speaking with CHON-FM on Monday, he said that the discussions, planning, and knowledge sharing is important for everyone living in the Yukon.

“A lot of our elders talk about literally walking that land,” said James. “And what do we see out there, you know? You got animals, you got insects, you got all kinds of trees; and right now with forest fires and that, it’s very important that we come together and try to at least come up with a plan that’s going to not only be good for the Indigenous people, but for people of the Yukon.”

Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Chief Amanda Leas attended the open house in Whitehorse as well. She said that sharing knowledge between elders and youth is exactly what How We Walk with the Land and Water has been about since its inception in 2017.

“This is incredibly important, and not only to the three nations that are involved, but to all Yukon First Nations,” said Leas. “And this is an incredibly important initiative; just to ensure that we are doing right by our ancestors, by our youth, and ensuring that we’re really respecting the land that we’re taking care of and protecting for future generations.”

“It’s so beautiful to see the youth and the Elders come together, because that’s really how we’re going to continue to protect our land and our water.”

How We Walk with the Land and Water was started in 2017, when Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Carcross/Tagish First Nation began the initiative to lead in Indigenous-led land and water relationship planning processes consistent with natural law and traditional customs.

A second open house was held April 17 from 2-7pm at Haa Shagóon Hídi in Carcross.

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