On July 22, 2025, Carcross/Tagish First Nation Ḵaa Shaadé Hení (Chief) Maria Benoit, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Dän nätthe äda Kh’úkhįá (Chief Barb Joe), Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Uyenets’echᶖa Sean Smith, and Minister of Environment Nils Clarke gathered at Kusawa Lake to sign the Kusawa Park Management Plan.

This plan had been in progress since 2008, and lays out how Kusawa Territorial Park and its resources will be maintained and protected.

The day was beautiful, and many people got to witness the performances by the Dàkwä̀käda dancers, water and tobacco ceremonies, and signing of the document.

We hope that this historic milestone marks the beginning of a future where people can live in harmony with the beautiful land and resources here in the Yukon.