In 1995, the Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement came into effect. This agreement established the framework for the settlement of First Nation Land Claims in the Yukon Territory. It also created several public bodies that bring First Nations and non-First Nations together to manage Yukon lands and resources. Chapter 16 of the Umbrella Final Agreement recognizes the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board as "the primary instrument of Fish and Wildlife management in the Yukon." At the working level, the Board deals with conservation and management of fish, wildlife, habitat and wildlife users on a territorial-wide basis.
The Board's Mandate is to ensure the continued well-being of fish and wildlife populations in the Yukon for the use and enjoyment of all Yukoners and future generations while protecting First Nations special interest in wildlife.
In order to achieve its mission the Board will:
• Keep the Yukon public informed about fish and wildlife issues.
• Provide means for public discussion on fish and wildlife issues.
• Create a balance for traditional, local and scientific knowledge in developing decisions on wildlife.
• Provide public appreciation of the diversity of social values related to fish and wildlife management.
• Provide a fair process for consultation that incorporates all levels of society in arriving at fish and wildlife decisions.
• Provide an opportunity for every Yukoner to have effective input on fish and wildlife issues.
• Participate in national and international fish and wildlife conservation initiatives while maintaining the Yukon Territories perspective and protecting Yukon interests.
• Provide information on relationships between fish and wildlife and their environment to enable Yukoners to make informed decisions about how they will interact with fish and wildlife.
• Explore avenues to enhance and perpetuate wildlife populations.
Please see the attached document below for the board's operating procedures and member responsibilities.
Visit the Board's website at: http://www.yfwmb.yk.ca/