Community values and sustainability guide new Governance Agreement for remediation of legacy sites near Carcross
News release
July 29, 2025 — Carcross, Yukon — Traditional territory of Carcross/Tagish First Nation — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Today, Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) and the Government of Canada marked a major milestone with the signing of a new Governance Agreement to guide the remediation of three significant legacy sites: the former Arctic Gold and Silver Mill and Tailings site, the former Venus Mill and Tailings site and the remaining contamination of the Chooutla site.
Signing on behalf of the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, was Rob Wright, Associate Deputy Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, while Deputy Haa Sha du Hen (Chief) Darla-Jean Lindstrom signed on behalf of C/TFN.
This signing marks a new chapter in how remediation decisions will be made on these projects. For many years, Canada has led efforts and, in consultation with C/TFN, made decisions on remediation, maintenance, monitoring and surveillance, and engineering analyses at these sites. Now, with this agreement in place, the path forward is one of collaborative governance and shared decision-making with community values and sustainability leading the way.
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Quotes
"This is about more than just cleaning up environmental damage — it's about reclaiming responsibility for our lands and waters, and building a governance model where our people have a direct voice in what happens in our Traditional Territory. Our ancestors have lived on these lands for thousands of years, and our future generations deserve to see them restored."
Haa Shaa du Hen Maria Benoit, Carcross/Tagish First Nation
"This agreement marks an important and collaborative step with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation to support the remediation of sites on or adjacent to their settlement lands. It reflects our shared commitment to working in partnership and respecting the leadership of C/TFN in decisions that affect their lands and communities. While each project and partnership is unique, we are proud to walk this path together."
The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs Canada
"This agreement is a meaningful step forward, not only for environmental restoration but for reconciliation and community-led decision-making. By working in true partnership with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, we are supporting a governance model rooted in mutual respect and long-term sustainability. This work will help heal the land, honour the stewardship of the Carcross/Tagish people, and create opportunities for future generations across the Yukon."
Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon
Quick facts
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Legacy sites under remediation are all on or immediately adjacent to C/TFN Settlement Lands.
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This agreement provides for a Governance Committee for overall direction and oversight, supported by an Operational Committee made up of technical and community representatives.
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C/TFN is a self-governing First Nation with constitutionally protected rights under its Final and Self-Government Agreements.
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This approach supports reconciliation, self-determination, and long-term community wellbeing while addressing environmental and historical legacy issues.
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Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Communications Office
867-821-4251
communications@ctfn.ca
www.ctfn.ca
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Kyle Allen
Director of Communications, Parliamentary Affairs and Issues Management
Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs
kyle.allen@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
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