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Kwanlin Dün First Nation celebrates 20th Anniversary of Final Agreement

Wednesday, 2 April 2025 11:17

By Stuart Bonell X @BonellStuart

Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith delivers opening remarks at the 20th Anniversary Celebration in Whtiehorse on March 29 (Photo: S. Bonell)

Celebrations continue through to April 5

Kwanlin Dün First Nation is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Final Agreement this week.

On Saturday, KDFN citizens gathered at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre for the opening celebrations. Speaking with media ahead of the celebrations, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith reflected on accomplishments made by his First Nation over the last 20 years.

“It was a step that created a number of different things,” said Chief Smith. “Some of those aspects is really about what we can do to be self-determining, as a principle, but also being able to work within our agreements and work with the governments of the day to advance the rights and interests of Kwanlin Dün citizens, as well as our opportunities to build out what our Land Claims agreement meant.”

With any celebration of the past comes anticipation of the future. Chief Smith says that part of his plans to move his First Nation forward is to focus on benefiting youth.

“Families are becoming more well,” said Chief Smith. “And when families become well, we see young people do well.”

Saturday’s event was just the beginning of a week of celebrations. KDFN held a friendly competition of handgames on Sunday, and continues this week with a History Day and Craft Market on Monday, special film screenings on Tuesday, a Trade Show on Wednesday, oral storytelling on Thursday, and an Open House of the Kashgêk’ building on Friday.

For more details, visit https://www.kwanlindun.com/2025/03/17/20th-anniversary/

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