NEWS RELEASE: CYFN Welcomes Taku River Tlingit First Nation as Associate Members

By October 11, 2022News Release

FOR RELEASE

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

WHITEHORSE – The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) officially welcomed the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) to its Leadership table today with the passing of a CYFN Leadership resolution endorsing TRTFN’s associate member status.

Following a resolution expressing TRTFN’s intent to become an associate member at the CYFN annual General Assembly this summer, CYFN Leadership endorsed the resolution today during its first meeting since the June annual general assembly.

As an associate member, TRTFN will not have voting rights at the Leadership table but can continue to engage in Leadership discussions. CYFN’s practice of welcoming all Yukon and transboundary First Nations to engage in discussions at Leadership has led to increased participation among Yukon’s 14 First Nations in recent years.

Quotes

Taku River Tlingit First Nation’s associate membership to CYFN is a significant and symbolic moment that speaks to the sense of inclusivity that exists when we sit together to discuss critical issues affecting Yukon First Nations and transboundary First Nations.

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston

I want to acknowledge the support that we all provide each other. It makes great sense to have us all at the same table as we discuss our regional interests. TRTFN is very grateful to be a part of the CYFN. We look forward to working collaboratively with Yukon First Nations.

Taku River Tlingit First Nation Spokesperson Charmaine Thom

Quick Facts

  • The Taku River Tlingit First Nation is located in Atlin, BC. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) has Traditional Territories in the Yukon Territories, northern British Columbia, Canada and Alaska, United States.
  • CYFN Leadership is made up of Yukon First Nation Chiefs and leaders; it meets approximately six times per year to discuss and take action on issues of mutual importance.
  • CYFN Leadership makes resolutions through voting which gives CYFN direction on how to move forward on issues affecting all Yukon First Nations.
  • CYFN, once dedicated to facilitating land claims negotiations, has shifted its focus to advocacy on areas of mutual interest in order to strengthen Yukon First Nations political power.


For further information contact:

Lael Lund

Communications Manager, Council of Yukon First Nations
C: 867.335.3227
cyfn.ca | communications@nullcyfn.net

Rebecca Law
Communications, Taku River Tlingit First Nation
C: 867.332.4912
trtfn.com | communications@nullgov.trtfn.com

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