In an Aug. 5 statement, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai explained the government’s position. He stated that halting mining, as FNNND requested, would have significant economic and legal impacts. Yukon’s mining permits are governed by federal and territorial laws rooted in the Umbrella Final Agreement.
The Umbrella Final Agreement outlines how Yukon First Nations and governments should negotiate Yukon First Nation Final Agreements.
While the Umbrella Final Agreement itself is not legally binding, a Yukon First Nation Final Agreement includes its provisions plus additional terms specific to each First Nation. Once ratified, signed, and put into effect, a Yukon First Nation Final Agreement becomes legally binding.
“The scope and nature of FNNND’s request to halt all exploration and mining activities on their Traditional Territory has significant legal and economic consequences,” Pillai said.
Pillai said stopping all mining…
