Partners Confirm Feasibility for Proposed National Park in the Teetł’it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed
News release
The Gwich’in Tribal Council, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, the Government of Yukon and Parks Canada, are moving ahead into negotiations for a proposed new national park in the Teetł’it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed.
September 10, 2025 Inuvik, Northwest Territories Parks Canada
Today, Grand Chief Frederick Blake Jr. of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Chief Dawna Hope of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, the Honourable Nils Clarke, Minister of the Environment for the Yukon, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages announce that the proposed national park in the Teetł’it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed has been deemed feasible and a Collaboration Accord has been signed to advance the initiative into the next phase of the establishment process – negotiating an establishment agreement.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in the collaboration between the Parties to protect one of the most ecologically and culturally significant landscapes in Canada. If established, the proposed national park would be jointly managed by the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and Parks Canada. It would only be established with the full support of all Parties.
Based on the results of the feasibility assessment, the Parties concluded that the creation of a new national park in this area is practical and desirable. The feasibility assessment included engagement with Gwich’in leadership and participants, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun leadership and citizens, stakeholders, and other interested parties, as well as careful consideration of the spiritual, cultural, environmental, and socio-economic values of the region.
Indigenous-led conservation is foundational to any vision for a proposed national park in this area. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to uphold Indigenous self-determination, protect the integrity of the Teetł’it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed and support the continuation of cultural practices on the land. The Parties are committed to working together toward a new national park that reflects shared values, protects biodiversity, and honours Indigenous knowledge, culture and stewardship.
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Quotes
“Our people have lived with and cared for Teetł’it Gwinjik since time immemorial. This area is not only rich in wildlife and pristine waters, but it is also central to our culture, spirituality, and way of life. The feasibility work we undertook together has confirmed what Gwich’in have always known: this land is special and must be protected for future generations. We look forward to working with our partners to negotiate an establishment agreement, enshrined in Indigenous-led conservation principles, that reflects our values, honours our rights, and safeguards the Peel River watershed forever.”
Frederick Blake Jr.
Grand Chief, Gwich’in Tribal Council
"On behalf of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun I want to extend my thanks to the governments of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, Canada and Yukon for the good will you have brought to completing the Feasibility Study for the proposed National Park in the Teetl'it Gwinjik Watershed. This engagement has been a great example of how intergovernmental collaboration should work in the era of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Final Agreement and the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim. We have re-affirmed the sanctity of our treaties and the integrity of the Peel River Watershed Regional Land Use Plan.
We look forward to continuing our good work in the negotiation of an Establishment Agreement that maintains the Park in a pristine natural condition and promotes Indigenous led conservation."
Chief Dawna Hope
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
“Nature is an immense part of Canada’s identity, and Yukon is home to some of the most iconic species and stunning landscape in the country. Our government is committed to protecting more nature than ever before – including by creating at least 10 new national parks and marine conservation areas, as well as 15 new urban parks across the country. The work undertaken in collaboration with Indigenous Nations and territorial partners to create a new national park in the Teetł’it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed is a meaningful step for both conservation and reconciliation.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
"Our future is tied to the health of lands and waters. The confirmation that a national park in the Teetł’it Gwinjik Watershed is feasible and desirable reflects the strength of working in partnership toward conservation and cultural respect. This process shows how Indigenous-led stewardship and environmental protection go hand in hand. The Government of Yukon remains committed to supporting this collaborative effort as it moves forward."
The Honourable Nils Clarke
Yukon’s Minister of Environment
Quick facts
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The Teetł’it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed is one of largest intact ecosystems in Canada, home to diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage.
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The Collaboration Accord outlines a shared vision and principles for advancing the proposed national park.
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The next phase will involve formal negotiations to give life to the vision of joint stewardship and management, to ensure the important natural and cultural features of this area are maintained for the benefit of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, and all Canadians.
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Contacts
Hermine Landry
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
873-455-3714
hermine.landry@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
Sarah Frey
Communications Contractor
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
867-689-8514
sarah.frey@nndfn.com
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Stephen Blanchette
Strategic Communications Consultant
Gwich’in Tribal Council
867-777-7900
stephen.blanchette@gwichintribal.ca