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Kusawa

Kusawa Territorial Park is identified under Chapter 10 of the Carcross/ Tagish and Kwanlin Dun First Nation Final Agreements.

Park Objectives

The objectives of Kusawa Territorial Park, as identified in the Final Agreements include:

• To protect for all time a natural area of territorial significance and of important cultural significance to the Carcross/Tagish, Champagne and Aishihik, and Kwanlin Dun First Nations. This area includes portions of the Yukon-Stikine Highlands, Ruby Ranges, and Yukon Southern Lakes eco-regions that contain important physical and biological features, as well as sites of archeological, historical and cultural value.
• To recognize and protect the traditional use and sharing of the area by Carcross/Tagish, Kwanlin Dun, and Champagne and Aishihik people.
• To recognize the current use of the area by Carcross/Tagish, Kwanlin Dun and Champagne and Aishihik people and other Yukon residents.
• To recognize and honour the history, heritage and culture of the three First Nations in the area through the establishment and operation of the park.
• To encourage public awareness, use, appreciation and enjoyment of the natural, historical and cultural resources of the park in a manner that will ensure it is protected for the benefit of future generations.
• To recognize the current recreational uses of the area as well as its potential for other uses, including ecotourism and First Nation cultural tourism.
• To provide economic opportunities to Carcross/Tagish, Kwanlin Dun, and Champagne and Aishihik people to participate in the development, operation and management of the park.
  

Park Status

Under existing land claim agreements, a Steering Committee was formed in 2008 to develop and recommend a management plan for Kusawa Park. The Steering Committee will be seeking public input at key stages of the planning process. Visit the Kusawa Steering Committee website for information regarding the process, background and opportunities for input.

Kusawa Territorial Park has not yet been formally established under the Yukon Parks and Land Certainty Act. The area within the park boundaries identified through the land claim agreements has been permanently withdrawn from mineral and oil and gas exploration, however.

The Kusawa Territorial Park Steering Committee – which includes representatives from the Yukon Government and the three affected First Nations – will consider the objectives of the park as set out in the Final Agreements when developing a management plan for Kusawa Park.

Once the Steering Committee develops a draft management plan for the park, it will be jointly reviewed by the Yukon Government and each of the three affected First Nations.