On Air Now Cool Country Morning 7:00am - 10:00am

Now Playing Hosted by Carl Carpentier Cool Country Morning

Listen Live

How We Walk with the Land and Water renews its charter

Friday, 7 June 2024 16:02

By Stuart Bonell @BonellStuart

Left to right: TKC Chief Amanda Leas, C/TFN Deputy Chief Darla Jean Lindstrom, and KDFN Chief Sean Smith raise their freshly signed copies of the renewed charter for How We Walk with the Land and Water (Photo: S. Bonell)

Seven years after the initiative began, leadership from three First Nations reunite to reaffirm their commitment.

How We Walk with the Land and Water has renewed its charter.

Last week, leadership from Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, and Carcross/Tagish First Nation met at Kettley’s Canyon, where the nations’ traditional territories overlap, to sign the renewal of their agreement to prepare for Chapter 11 Land Use Planning for the Southern Lakes.

In his remarks after signing the renewed charter, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith expressed his gratitude for the cooperation involved with How We Walk with the Land and Water. Growing up, Smith had the opportunity to learn about the land from his family.

“I was fortunate to have grandparents that took me on the land and showed me a lot of different things,” said Smith. “And those teachings; I’ll never forget them.”

“Every place is our classroom, is our learning space. When we open our minds and open our hearts, then we can learn and grow and become strengthened together.”

Speaking with CHON-FM, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Chief Amanda Leas said that she’s impressed with the initiative’s work so far, and looks forward to seeing what comes next.

“It’s been such an effort with all three nations over the last several years,” said Leas. “And I think the momentum is to just keep going and to continue this course. We’re doing wonderful things, and as you can tell from this amazing event with so many people in attendance, it’s just really that testament of the hard work and the importance of what we’re doing.”

How We Walk with the Land and Water began in 2017. More information on the initiative, including maps and documents, can be found online at howwewalk.org.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Yukon NDP calls on Yukon government to investigate electricity billing concerns

“Yukoners deserve affordable, accurate, and fair electricity bills, an investigation is needed to make sure that billing is exactly that.” -Yukon NDP Leader Kate White
Youth investment fund supports 13 community projects across Yukon

Initiatives include youth leadership training, substance use prevention, peer mentoring, and recreation programs.
FNNND challenges Mayo Dam spillway project over treaty and fish passage concerns

The First Nation contends the current emergency is self-created and is being used to bypass Nation-to-Nation obligations under the Final Agreement and UNDRIP.
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports

The companies combined their efforts after several of them received requests from the school to cover a sports funding shortfall. The donation also helps teams travel.
FNNND calls out Yukon Government over exclusive mine sale talks, demands consent

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun said it has not consented to any sale or restart and has no agreements with any party
BC man convicted of manslaughter

The Crown submitted that Primozic died as a result of multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up

Priority 1 trails are normally cleared as close to the surface as possible.
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts

The RCMP says the updates improve comfort and fit for officerswhile keeping them recognizable
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard

Draft maps for Dawson and the Klondike Valley were available for review from August 12 to September 10, 2025.
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse

The inquest aims to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding Roux’s death
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding

In addition to the funding for municipalities, up to $88,000 is allocated annually to the Association of Yukon Communities for professional development opportunities.
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents

The program is designed to support families struggling with winter electricity bills and is replacing previous rebate programs.
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory

The decision to approve the mine represents both a severe and unjustified infringement of its constitutionally protected Kaska Aboriginal Title and Rights
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'

Chief Russell Blackjack emphasizes that no mining activity will be tolerated in this area
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary

The Government accepts full responsibility for the harm caused and apologizes to the affected children and their families.
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government

The Whistle Bend Neighbourhood Active Transportation Connector project will receive over $8.7 million to build 5.5km of multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes, connecting downtown Whitehorse to Whistle Bend
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic

The clinic, located at 106 Lambert Street, will utilize the existing River Valley Medical Clinic space and serve approximately 2,000 new patients over the next two years.
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP

He was last seen near the Millennium Trail in Whitehorse on March 31, 2026, wearing blue jeans, a winter jacket, and glasses.
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns

The amendment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening frontline healthcare and improving health outcomes, as promised in the 2025 election
Selkirk First Nation announces election results

Jeremy Harper was acclaimed as Chief and Rena Simon as Youth Councillor, effective February 10, 2026.