News
Bear Aware
All residents and visitors of Deep Creek please be aware that a cinnamon colored bear has been spotted in that area.
2016 Chinook Salmon Fry Release
Renewable Resources Technician Phil Emerson transfers Chinook salmon fry into buckets at Fox Creek on July 17.
The Ta’an Kwӓch’ӓn Council, in partnership with several groups, released approximately 15,000 Chinook salmon fry into Fox Creek on Sunday as part of a multi-year Chinook Stock Restoration Plan.
Fox Creek is a tributary to Lake Laberge, approximately 50 kilometres north of Whitehorse. Past surveys indicate that the creek once supported a spawning population of Chinook salmon. However, reasons for the disappearance of adult salmon in Fox Creek are unknown.
Salmon has long been a mainstay of the Ta’an Kwӓch’ӓn people and Fox Creek lies in the heart of Ta’an Kwӓch’ӓn traditional territory. Poor returns of Chinook salmon in recent years emphasize the need for stock restoration projects such as this one.
This year, we anticipate a much larger return of Chinook salmon than usual due to the release of almost 90,000 fry in 2012. Chinook spend between three to five years in the ocean before returning to their home rivers to spawn.
“The Ta’an Kwӓch’ӓn Council has worked hard over the years to conserve, enhance and restore Chinook salmon,” said Chief Kristina Kane.
Alexander Labarge shows off the Chinook salmon fry he’s about to free at Fox Creek on July 17.
“Our vision is to protect and preserve the future of Chinook salmon for future generations.”
Funding for this project has been provided by the Pacific Salmon Commission through the Yukon River Panel R+E Fund. Other project partners include Yukon Energy Corporation, for supplying the eggs since 2009; the Whitehorse Fish Hatchery, for the brood stock collection, fertilization and rearing of eggs to the eyed stage; Yukon College, for its technical advice and management of the McIntyre Creek hatchery; the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, for its technical support; the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee for program support; and the McIntyre Creek hatchery for receiving the eyed eggs and rearing them to the fry stage.
Yukon Pioneer Utility Grant applications
The Health & Education department has just received a package of Pioneer Utility Grant applications for 2016.
Please contact Lynn Sparks, manager of Health & Education for TKC, at lsparks@taan.ca for more information.
Ta’an Kwäch’än Council General Assembly
Chairperson and Co-chairperson opportunities.
Ta’an Kwäch’än Council is seeking a Chair and Co-Chair for the upcoming General Assembly, to be held August 26 – August 28, 2016 at Helen’s Fish Camp.
The Chair and Co-Chair shall have the responsibility of presiding over the General Assembly for the duration of the GA.
Please submit your expression of interest by July 13rd, 2016, to the attention of:
Doris Anderson, Executive Director
danderson@taan.ca
Closing date: Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Draft Chadburn Lake Park Management Plan
Chadburn Lake Park is one of five Regional Parks located within the municipal boundary of the City of Whitehorse. It is the largest of the five parks, covering an area of 75.5 km2. The park is rich with history, cultural and heritage attractions, and natural beauty. The park’s numerous assets – notably including historic Miles Canyon and Canyon City, Grey Mountain, several exceptional lakes, and 260 km of world‐class trails – is the envy of many Canadian cities. Today, the park is at a pivotal point in its evolution. Its popularity is growing locally, regionally, and internationally. Trail development and recreational use are increasing. At the same time, there is recognition that Chadburn Lake Park’s future should balance key park values and efforts should focus on restoration and habitat enhancement.
The City initiated a management planning process in 2015 in recognition of the need to manage various park interests and values for today and future generations. Building on previous planning initiatives, such as the 2014 Regional Parks Plan and the 1985 Chadburn Lake Reserve Management Plan (never adopted), the Chadburn Lake Park Management Plan looks at the park’s core assets, issues, and opportunities. It seeks to provide a onestop comprehensive park management resource. A team of consultants led by 3Pikas (a planning, design, and technology firm based in Whitehorse) were retained to work along with City staff. The consulting team included Simon Lapointe of 3Pikas (project lead), Jane Koepke of Jane of all Trades Consulting (recreation planning), and John‐Glynn Morris of Cottongrass Consulting Group (public engagement).
For more details or to download the full Draft Plan, please click here.
Walking challenge winners!
WALKING THE “YUKON QUEST TRAIL”
WEEKLY WINNERS
Week 1 ~ Charlotte Kane & Mia Broeren
Week 2 ~ John S. Bunbury
Week 3 ~ Teresa Jacobs
Week 4 ~ Geraldine Irvine
Week 5 ~ Georgina Leslie
Week 6 ~ Amy Genier
Week 7 ~ Alfred Broeren
Week 8 ~ Debbie Burns
Week 9 ~ Geraldine Irvine
Week 10 ~ Debbie Burns
Week 11 ~ Michelle Telep
Week 12 ~ Gail Anderson
Week 13 ~ Charlene Burns
Week 14 ~ Geraldine Pope
Week 15 ~ Roberta Auston, Teresa Jacobs, Scott Dickson
Thank you to everyone who participated in our “Walking Challenge.” We had 140 people who signed up, over half of those reported their steps one or more times. It’s wonderful to have so many interested and in the near future we may have another Walking Challenge. Hope everyone has a great Summer, stay active and have fun.
Nomination to sit on the Laberge Renewable Resources Council
Ta’an Kwäch’än Council is seeking a nomination to sit on the Laberge Renewable Resources Council (LRRC) by June 20, 2016.
For information of the duties of Council Members and the Council, please look at the Laberge Renewable Resources Council website (www.eco.gov.yk.ca).
If you are interested in nominating a TKC citizen to sit on this Council, please contact Derek Cooke, Acting Manager, Lands, Resources and Heritage at dcooke@taan.ca or (867) 668-3613 ext. 608.
Reunion to Revitalize our Resilient Spirits
Southern Tutchone Language Teacher
The Yukon Department of Education is seeking a Southern Tutchone language teacher for its Southern Tutchone Language Program at Whitehorse Elementary School.
Posting #: 16 AL005 Posting date: June 1, 2016 Closing date: June 8, 2016
Starting date: Aug. 30, 2016
End date: June 20, 2017
Reporting to the principal of Whitehorse Elementary School, the successful candidate will be an inclusive member of the teaching staff. Their role is critical in the successful development and implementation of the Southern Tutchone Language and Culture program.
The focus for this position will be to teach, promote and support Southern Tutchone language and culture in the school. It is imperative that one be able to maintain positive relationships with secondary-aged school students and offer a language and culture program that is engaging, interesting and culturally relevant (on the land and experiential, for example).
The successful candidate must be committed and dedicated to the Southern Tutchone language and culture program, including an interest and commitment to curriculum development over the long term.
Qualifications:
- Strong interest and demonstrated ability to teach the Southern Tutchone language and culture as a second language using a variety of individual and group instructional strategies, supported by completion of YNLC certificate/diploma program or teacher training such as Bachelor of Education (YNTEP or equivalent).
- Demonstrated adequate language proficiency (read, write and speak) to deliver the Southern Tutchone language and culture program at the secondary school level.
- Strong classroom management skills.
- Ability to adapt and modify curriculum to address each students’ needs and gifts to ensure that all students experience success in this program.
- Ability to work as a team member and a willingness and enthusiasm to participate in all staff meetings, school wide functions and initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to connect and collaborate with school-based staff and Ta’an Kwach’an Council/Kwanlin Dun First Nation/Champagne and Aishihik First Nations/Kluane First Nation community at large to share expertise for the inclusion of Southern Tutchone language and culture.
- Willingness to actively promote Southern Tutchone language and culture within school programming, environment and community at large.
- Comprehensive knowledge and awareness of Ta’an Kwach’an Council and/or Kwanlin Dun First Nation and/or Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and/or Kluane First Nation and/or Yukon First Nations culture, traditional practices, values and beliefs as well as a good understanding of the past and current issues in education, heritage and languages with a view to the past, the present and the future.
- Fluency or willingness to develop language proficiency is required.
- There are two Southern Tutchone teaching positions in the school. We are looking for a candidate willing to do co-teaching with the other teacher.
Please note:
- Preference may be given to qualified citizens of Ta’an Kwach’an Council or Kwanlin Dun First Nation or Champagne and Aishihik First Nations or Kluane First Nation OR individuals fluent in the Southern Tutchone language.
- This is a full-time temporary position from August 30, 2016 to June 20, 2017.
- Successful applicant will be required to undergo a security check prior to starting work.
Required documents: cover letter and resume
Three references are required.
Trapper training workshops
Trapper training is an important requirement for licensed trappers and concession holders. Members of group trap-lines must also meet this requirement to maintain their group membership.
Environment Yukon offers several 4 ½ day Basic Trapper Training workshops between October and March. This workshop meets the training requirement for obtaining a Yukon Trapping or Assistant Trapper License. The minimum age to participate is 16 years, or 12 years if accompanied by an adult.
The workshops cover:
- Ethics, regulations, rights and responsibilities
- Safety and survival
- Furbearer biology and management
- Business and operational planning
- First Nations perspectives
- Fur handling and pelt preparation (1 day practicum)
- Humane trapping methods (field day and practicum)
- Modern trapping tools (55-min practicum)
- Snare-making (90-min practicum)
Each participant will receive a Yukon Trappers Manual. The workshop fee is $315. Some participants may qualify for funding through First Nations or other government programs.
Starting Sept. 2, 2016, you can register at any Environment Yukon office or call 1-800-661-0408 x 5652 to reserve your seat by credit card.
TKC has priority enrollment for three individuals in the Trappers Education program. Any interested citizens should notify the LRH department as sponsorship funding is available to cover course registration. Interested citizens need to contact LRH prior to June 30th if they wish to receive sponsorship.
Workshop Schedule – all dates are 2016
Registration for these workshops will begin on September 2, 2016
| Community | Dates and Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
Old Crow
|
Sep. 15, 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Sep. 16-19, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Community Hall
|
|
Whitehorse |
Sep. 29, 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Sep. 30 – Oct. 3, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Transportation Museum
|
|
Ross River
|
Oct. 13, 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Oct. 14 – 17, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Yukon College
|
|
Watson Lake
|
Nov. 17, 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Nov. 18 – 21, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
2 Mile Hall
|
How to Register:
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Note the registration start dates and times listed for each workshop. Registration will not be accepted prior to the times listed.
-
15 seats are available on a first-come first-served basis. As seats are limited, we reserve the right to give Yukon residents priority.
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The fee is $315. Payment is required to reserve your seat.
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You can pay for a workshop in person at any Environment Yukon office or call Client Services at 667-5652 or 1-800-661-0408 ext. 5652 to reserve your seat by credit card. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, debit or credit card.
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When registering, please provide the following information:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Mailing address
- Phone numbers
- Email address
- If you applied for funding support, contact the Trapper Education Coordinator at 1-800-661-0408 ext. 6273 or 393-6273 to confirm that your sponsorship has been received and your seat reserved.
Toll free (in Yukon, NWT & Nunavut):