CHAMPAGNE AND AISHIHIK FIRST NATIONS

First Nations have a history in the area that spans many thousands of years. This area of southwest Yukon and northwest British Columbia is the homeland of the Southern Tutchone people who lived a nomadic lifestyle, hunting, trapping, fishing and food-gathering.

Today, members of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations live in and around the area of Haines Junction. They make up about half the population of Haines Junction, and their administration centre is located in the community.

This First Nation has signed Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements establishing a co-management role with federal and territorial governments of the natural and cultural resources in their traditional territorial lands. The First Nation co-manages both Kluane National Park and Reserve, and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park to the south in British Columbia.

First Nation members continue to use the land in traditional ways as well as being involved in local business and tourism ventures.

More information on the history of First Nations in the area can be found in Community History and Setting and Human History.

There are a number of First Nation tourism opportunities and sites of interest in the Haines Junction area. For more information– Champagne and Aishihik First Nations website: www.cafn.ca