Newsletter of the Conservation Society Spring 2018 photo: Matt Jacques Photography

Inside: • Staff Changes • Money and Mines • Conservation Champion 2 Walk Softly Walk Softly 3 The Solutions Economy in the Yukon

What if our toughest social and In , presenters included: People were excited to hear about environmental challenges could Shaun Loney’s experience creating • Challenge Disability Resource be transformed into business community-driven social enterprises Group (social enterprises under the opportunities to strengthen local that address multiple issues in Challenge umbrella) economies and make communities innovative ways. It was also inspiring more resilient? In November, we • Yukon College Centre of Northern to hear about the incredible projects invited Yukoners to explore this Innovation in Mining (social that are already underway in the question in a series of events. enterprise support as part of a Yukon. There was a lot of buzz and benefits agreement) excitement resulting from getting YCS, with support from Cold Climate • Cold Climate Innovation (biomass people together to break down Innovation at Yukon College and the energy in communities) communication barriers and discuss Government of Yukon’s Community solutions in the same room. Development Fund, hosted Shaun • /Tagish Management Loney at four workshops and public Corporation (community benefits in For so many Northern issues – from talks in Whitehorse and Watson economic development) climate change to food security – Lake. Loney, accompanied by local • unFURled (reinvigorating the local community-driven solutions are change-makers, discussed how fur economy) going to be the key to creating a social enterprises are igniting a new • Rivers to Ridges (forest school sustainable and resilient future for approach to economic development concept and nature-based all of us. We have already heard that that is community-centred and education) similar workshops are being planned protects the environment. to continue generating discussion • Suzanne de la Barre, Vancouver and action – and we’ll keep pushing Loney is the author of the book Island University (social enterprise for bold, brave and grassroots An Army of Problem Solvers: in leisure and sustainability) solutions in the Yukon. Reconciliation and the Solutions Celebration for the Peel Watershed Victory (above photo: Matt Jacques; photo below: Daniel Bader) Economy, the co-founder of 11 social enterprises, and the recipient In Watson Lake, both events involved Julia Duchesne, of numerous awards for social a diverse group of local people YCS Outreach innovation. The former Director of from the Kaska nation, municipal Energy Policy for the Government of government, business community, Manitoba has been making change in Yukon government, and the general urban and rural areas through low- public. cost, high-impact approaches that empower communities to address issues such as energy, climate change, unemployment, poverty, and food security. In both locations, the evening talks and workshops were well-attended. Workshop attendees explored local challenges and opportunities for social enterprise and economic development.

Shaun Loney presents at the Beringia Centre in Whitehorse. (Photo by Julia Duchesne)

Spring 2018 Spring 2018 4 Walk Softly Walk Softly 5 Celebrating 50 Years Walk Softly is published by the Yukon Conservation of Conservation Society for members and subscribers. Memberships and information about the – and Looking Ahead Society can be obtained by contacting the YCS office. 302 Hawkins Street The Yukon Conservation Society turns Whitehorse, Yukon 50 this year. That’s right – we were Y1A 1X6 founded in 1968, making us older than PHONE: 867 668-5678 Message from the Board: Greenpeace! That same year, founding FAX: 867 668-6637 member John Lammers stated that EMAIL: [email protected] The YCS Board of Directors is thrilled to be moving into 2018 – the Peel Come meet Mike, our new YCS’s mandate was to have “any influence WEBSITE: yukonconservation.org Watershed saga is moving into final consultations, our mining and energy executive director! on the manner in which a resource-oriented society traditionally attempts to beat nature into submission”. YCS We welcome newsletter submissions programs are ramping up and it is our organization’s 50th anniversary. and letters to the editor. Deadlines for When our incredible Executive Director, Christina Macdonald, decided to began as a group of dedicated volunteers. Since then, we’ve grown into a leading submissions are Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1, and step down, we began searching for someone who could take on this integral voice for the Yukon environment, advocating on issues from energy use, mining Nov 1. Views expressed in Walk Softly role as we move into this milestone year. We are happy to announce that and cleanup, to climate change and nature education. our search is complete. We would like to introduce our incoming Executive are not necessarily those of the Society. Many people have been part of YCS over the years – as the members, Director Mike Walton. We recognized as we move into 2018 that we need volunteers, donors, and staff who give their time and support so generously. Publications Mail Agreement number 4154991 someone with strong leadership skills, deep knowledge of conservation, and Changes of address or undeliverable copies Many more have taken in our nature education most importantly, the ability to build relationships, with you, our members, to should be sent to YCS at 302 Hawkins St., activities, or joined us for interpretive walks since Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1X6 understand what our community wants to see for the future of environmental our Trail Guiding program began in 1980. In short, protection in the Yukon. Mike is a natural fit to take YCS into the future in a we’ve been a part of the fabric of the Yukon for half a strong and reflective way. We are really excited to welcome Mike on March century now, and it’s time to celebrate and reflect. 12th when he will start to work with Christina to ensure a smooth transition. Please stop by to meet Mike and get to know our new leader! In 2018, we’ll be hosting a series of public events and Our door is always open. projects to share our history and celebrate our future. YCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The calendar will include: public tours and talks on Shawna Smith (President) issues including energy, mining, and wildlife; a new Matt Landry (Vice President) gardening project; our classic summer programming, Stuart Clark (Treasurer) including the Created at the Canyon event and Mike Tribes (Secretary) Message from Mike: From my early days as a park warden daily guided hikes to Canyon City; a history and Alberto Suárez-Esteban storytelling BBQ in September; and a celebration to Hello everyone, and park naturalist to senior roles Bonnie Burns in government protected areas, I finish the year in November (save the date: Saturday, Dave Mossop It is with delight that I address have enjoyed sharing the beauty and November 17, 2018). Shyloh van Delft the membership of the Yukon wonder of the natural world with We’ll also be reflecting on our vision for the next 50 Skeeter Wright Conservation Society and other YCS local residents or visitors. While years. In 2068, what future do we want to be living supporters for the first time as your working in the Yukon as Manager, in, and how do we get there? We hope you’ll join us in STAFF incoming Executive Director. It Resource Conservation with Parks celebrating, reflecting and sharing the stories of 50 Mike Walton is a role that is inspiring, exciting Canada between 2001 and 2008, I years in the Yukon – and many more to come. (Executive Director) and quite frankly humbling given witnessed and experienced first hand the Society’s grass root history, Julia Duchesne Julia Duchesne (Outreach & the special connection people have and long time advocacy for Yukon YCS Outreach Communications Director) with Yukon’s natural environment. conservation. It is one that gives voice to the Marjolène Gauthier (Financial Manager) There is no mistaking the leadership importance of the natural world and Lewis Rifkind (Mining Analyst) role YCS has played and is playing in our love for it. raising awareness of Yukoners and Sebastian Jones (Energy Analyst) Now, after a decade away, returning Buy a Bag! Canadians about threats to the land, to the Yukon feels like coming home. WORKERS ON THIS ISSUE water, and wildlife of the Yukon, Robert Service is right. There is a We are now selling recycled cotton backpack-style bags Tanya Handley and the critical role humans play in spell and we are thrilled to be under made and screen-printed by local artist Sally Wright. Julia Duchesne determining the future of our planet. it. I will do my best to represent the These comfy, handy bags are beautifully printed with priorities of YCS as we move forward a custom-made design and revenue supports YCS printed on 100% recycled paper from the Society’s incredible half- programming. We’ll also have recycled cotton tote bags century marker. with the same logo available soon! Each bag is $22. Mike Walton, PhD Spring 2018 Spring 2018 6 Walk Softly Walk Softly 7

Screenshot from Wolverine Here We Go Again Mine Reclamation and Closure Plan 2016-07 V.3, One of the curses of the Yukon Ever since devolution occurred, when One of the permits was issued by the Table 8-2: Summary of Final mining industry in the past has been the Yukon Government assumed Yukon Water Board, and as part of Reclamation and Closure the ability for mining companies to a lot of the powers previously held the ongoing correspondence a cost Costs walk away from the mess they have by the Federal Government, the estimate of closure and remediation made. responsibility for approving mines was submitted. The amount? devolved or changed to the territorial $25,907,086. They would operate the mine while level. it was profitable, take the profits, but That’s two and half times more than as soon as they started losing money This means that if a mine situation what is currently held by the Yukon they would declare some form of like Faro, or Mt Nansen, or Keno, or Government. bankruptcy and walk away. Clinton Creek, were to re-occur, the Should the mine ever be sold, Yukon Government would be on the In order to protect the environment unlikely as it is now flooded and who financial hook. the government had to step in buys a flooded mine these days, the and take care of the closure and For the four mines mentioned in first thing the new owners are going remediation of these sites. the previous sentence, the Federal to have to do is to fork over another Screenshot from Yukon Government is responsible for the $15 million. Government website This means that taxpayers had to hundreds of millions of dollars fund these operations. It was a classic And if a new owner isn’t found, and associated with the mine cleanup case of privatizing the profits but the current owner walks away (which because it approved the mines prior socializing the risks. in certain circumstances is entirely to devolution. legal), Yukon taxpayers will be on Four examples of this are the Federal Now any mine that the Yukon the hook for cleaning up yet another government paying to close, clean approves is the responsibility of mining mess. up, and remediate the Faro mine, the Yukon Government, and by The company itself the Keno complex, the Mt Nansen There is nothing wrong with doing association Yukon taxpayers. estimates that the closure operation, and the Clinton Creek responsible mining. It provides will cost this much. asbestos mine downstream of This brings us to the Wolverine Mine. the metals and minerals that keep . Located on the Robert Campbell our industrialized society going. Highway between Ross River and It can, if managed right, provide Nowadays, mining companies Watson Lake, it was active in 2013 for a stream of wealth in the form of are supposed to help pay up front three years. royalties, paycheques, and taxes. financial security for mining and Unfortunately, the past track record exploration projects in Yukon – It has had an interesting financial shows that mining cannot cover the This is what the Yukon but dig deeper into what’s actually history, at one point receiving court cost of its own cleanup. government is holding as the happening, and you’ll find it’s protection from creditors. The security deposit. nowhere near enough. owners are no longer in bankruptcy, If the Yukon keeps allowing mining and they still own the mine. It is not companies to not provide adequate The concept is that a regulatory operating, and is in what is termed upfront financial security to clean up authority holds in trust funds temporary closure. the mess they are going to make, it’s supplied by the mining company to time for the Yukon to get out of the cover closure and remediation costs. The Yukon Government even holds mining business. fiscal security for the site, to the If the company does declare amount of $10,588,966. Lewis Rifkind, bankruptcy, monies other than YCS Mining Analyst taxpayers’ dollars are available to This $10.6 million is actually a bit cover the full cost of dealing with the of a problem, because it isn’t even abandoned mine site. close to what is required to close and remediate the site. And here’s how we This financial security is held under a know this. Community Garden quartz mining licence, a mining land use approval or a type A or type B The owner has been quite diligent YCS will be starting some garden water licence. The amount and form with the paperwork and reporting boxes this spring. If you’d like to of security is determined under the required by the various permits and help out with construction, planting, Quartz Mining Act and the Waters authorizations on this property. or harvesting, or just want to learn Act. more, get in touch!

Spring 2018 Spring 2018 8 Walk Softly Walk Softly 9

Roads, Powerlines, and Royalties…Oh My! Recognizing Yukon’s Conservation Champions: The Federal and Yukon Government Perhaps the answers to this are in as The negotiators for Selkirk First Angela Sabo Wins the 2017 Gerry Couture Stewardship Award are rolling out yet anther flurry follows. Mining conferences are big Nation included a royalties deal of lucrative subsidies for wealthy glitzy affairs that Yukon government called “Net Smelter Return”, which corporations seeking to extract regularly attends and likes to get stipulates that a portion of the We are pleased to announce that wealth from Yukon. attention at. Ministers get serious royalties are paid on the value Angela Sabo has been awarded the 2017 flattery from mining executives of minerals that are sold to the Gerry Couture Stewardship Award The Feds will kick in $250 million, every time they roll out hundred processor/smelter. No deductions for her work to protect the Yukon’s the Yukon $110 million, and the million dollar subsidies. We all know for corporate investors. The land and water from contamination. private sector another $100 million politicians love flattery almost as big implication here is that the Since 2009, an anonymous donor for something called “Gateway Roads much as votes. companies will pay more. Their has provided the Gerry Couture to Resources”. These are roads that threats to decamp to other places are Stewardship Medal and $1,000 prize will be built specifically for mining Yukon has no lobbying registry, just bluster. Perhaps the Yukon needs to an individual chosen for outstanding companies and probably not available so the identities and numbers to hire the same folks that negotiated personal dedication to natural resource for use by the general public. of steady procession of mining Selkirk’s deal. conservation and management in the lobbyists into government offices, Then there was a recent ministerial Yukon. and any inducements they may offer So, hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ musing about maybe connecting are held confidential. While their money is being spent on mining the Yukon electrical grid to the BC activities are hidden, their influence infrastructure. And the return grid to take advantage of excess Photo: Angela Sabo is manifest in the handouts they on investment to the taxpayers is power from the Site C dam, all to receive. minimal to nil. provide power to prospective mines. “Angela’s passion and determination On receiving the Gerry Couture Don Roberts of Yukoners Concerned The estimated cost of this folly of a To make things worse, royalties that In fact, given the track record of have been invaluable to the Yukon Stewardship Award, Sabo said: “I am contributed his perspective on Sabo’s connection would be between one or the Yukon got last year from the the mining industry in the Yukon Conservation Society and other very honoured to be chosen to receive award: “Yukoners Concerned is two billion. Recall that the previous mining industry are the usual joke. regarding taxpayer funded cleanups, grassroots groups in the territory,” the Gerry Couture Stewardship extremely pleased that Angela Sabo government, not known for its Placer royalties garnered $26,715.15, it is most likely any new Yukon mine said Executive Director Christina award. The work to prevent hydraulic has been nominated to receive the shyness to throw money at miners, and that was the royalty on the will be a net financial drain on future Macdonald. “From investigating fracturing in the Yukon has been a Gerry Couture Stewardship Award. rejected this project because it made roughly $90 million dollars’ worth of Yukon taxpayers, just like Faro, Mt. the effects of oil and gas drilling in team effort and I’d like to thank my Angela is a person of conscience no financial sense. placer gold that was extracted. Nansen, Keno, and Clinton Creek Dempster country, to canvassing son Ray Sabo, Sebastian Jones of who is passionate about maintaining were to Canada. door-to-door against fracking, YCS, Don Roberts, and the Yukoners most of the Yukon as one of the And we are still waiting on the The Yukon Government got to her legendary determination Concerned for their continuous last pristine areas remaining in cost of upgrading the Mayo-Keno NOTHING from hard rock mining, The mining industry must get to keep digging until she gets contribution, encouragement and the world. She is truly a lady of transmission line, which is estimated but the Selkirk First Nation did. The its financial (never mind its’ answers, Angela is a formidable support. We all know that the Yukon conviction and does her research to to be in the range of $70 to $90 Minto Mine is on their Class A land environmental) act together and pay force against industrial misdeeds is a precious place and we need support the issues she believes in.” million. This line upgrade was and they received $14,367,764.00 for its own damn infrastructure. and environmental hazards in the to care for our water, plants and The donor of the award is inspired rolled out purely for the benefit of in 2016, for a grand total of Currently, all they are doing is Yukon.” animals. Let’s follow our hearts and by Gerry Couture’s fearlessness, anticipated mineral development, $29,057,213.69 since 2007. Well mining the public purse. the ones who know the land today and not for the residents or done, Selkirk First Nation, but the Sabo has been active in the Yukon creativity, innovation, and YCS does not blame these multi- to keep our environment healthy for businesses within the greater Keno Yukon Government got nothing in environmental community for ‘curmudgeonliness’. Gerry Couture national companies for doing tomorrow.” area. 2016. decades. She has spearheaded has a long and varied past as a this- why should they pay for multiple initiatives for YCS and is a commercial pilot, homesteader, So ten million here, hundred million Even if a bunch of hard rock mines something that the taxpayers of key member of Yukoners Concerned trapper, commercial fisherman, and there, a couple billion even, pretty were to open tomorrow the Yukon Yukon and Canada appear willing about Oil and Gas. She has been a Angela is a formidable placer miner. For years he was a soon we are talking serious amounts wouldn’t see a penny in royalties to cover? However, YCS does hold leader in attacking the high radon force against industrial respected member of the Yukon Fish of taxpayers’ dollars being spent to for a few years- if ever. The Yukon our government responsible for readings that exist in many Yukon misdeeds and and Wildlife Management Board benefit mining. The question that Government collects royalties consistently prioritizing these homes, pointing out that mitigation environmental hazards and the Yukon Salmon Committee. must be asked is why does this one based on a net profit royalty system. companies’ bottom lines over the is necessary if lung cancer rates in the Yukon. Gerry most recently worked as YCS’s industry receive so much? It’s not like This means mines can offset their public purse. are to be lowered. On her own time Mining Coordinator until he retired they are exactly contributing much to initial startup costs and operating and costs, she has travelled across in 2009. the public treasury. costs- including returns to their the Yukon doing radon testing and international investors- from any Lewis Rifkind, contacted experts across North profit they might make thus ensuring YCS Mining Analyst America to assist her research. She little to none get paid. has met with officials to share her research and suggest that regulations should be put in place to protect Yukoners from radioactivity and high radon readings. Spring 2018 Spring 2018 10 Walk Softly Walk Softly 11

Time for new energy at YCS – Anne Middler says goodbye! One LNG consolation is that our more recent effort in front of the Yukon Utilities Board succeeded Seems like I haven’t written much lately, in the newsletter, YCS’s manifesto to YESAB was well received and they in preventing ATCO Electric other YCS dispatches. Truth is, life has been pulling me put out perfect recommendations. After a dodgy initial Yukon from adding $5million to away from YCS for a while. As hard as it was, I made the decision document by Environment Yukon, we got a Solid the ratebase to modify its diesel decision to make space for a new person to take my place Waste Action Plan from Community Services that was generators in Watson Lake to burn as Energy Analyst at YCS. the first step in more responsible waste management by LNG. YCS intervened, exposed ending the indiscriminate burning of unsorted garbage at I started working at YCS in June 2008 for one day a weaknesses in the business case, and unstaffed unincorporated community dumps. week, tasked with providing input on the draft Energy the YUB quashed the idea. Watson Strategy for Yukon and Climate Change Action Plan. It We still have far to go to make less waste and manage it Lake remains a blank slate with was a fantastic opportunity to begin working with the better, but every day I breathe clean air in Tagish, I feel ample opportunity for all sorts of YCS energy committee, meet key energy players in the grateful for being part of the movement that put an end to renewable energy projects to meet community, and start the journey of learning about the burning garbage. the energy demand. We learned complex world of energy in the Yukon. about a number of them during our Another hard fought victory: Fracking has never happened Solutions Economy work in Watson The first sweet taste of victory came early as YCS took on in the Yukon and hopefully never will. YCS played a very Lake this fall. the charge to end burning garbage in Yukon communities. big part in that, and despite some people questioning Working on that campaign, I learned how the toxic air our means, I take pride in YCS’s role in the Whitehorse Since making my decision to leave pollution was harming people in Ross River, Haines Trough Oil and Gas disposition process resulting in no YCS, it has been hard to let go! I Junction, Watson Lake and elsewhere. exploration, in YESAB processes around Eagle Plain have felt honoured to represent YCS resulting in no fracking, and in the creation and success of and our energy vision at important the Select Committee Regarding the Risks and Benefits of tables over the past decade. I have Hydraulic Fracturing. enjoyed developing professional Christina and Anne brainstorming at the Whitehorse Shaun Loneyworkshop. relationships on behalf of YCS with (Photo by Julia Duchesne) People may not appreciate how close we were to having the people in First Nations, municipal rapturist extractivist development-focused government and territorial governments; give fracking permits to oil and gas companies without utilities; the private sector; political any public consultation or environmental assessment. I parties; other ENGOs and the Yukon Lewis, Sebastian, Georgia, Julia, Typical for me, I don’t really have am grateful for the support of the public and the work of community. I have been lucky to have Judith, Christina and the ever a plan for the future. I will keep Yukoners Concerned About Oil and Gas Development for a job that provided flexibility, one changing and always wonderful trying to revolutionize winter that fight, and that our focus can now be on creating the that aligned with my values – that Board, all shared in my good and transportation and stimulate a renewable energy future we want, rather than opposing a gave me the freedom to speak my bad days, supported me in the solutions economy. I will take time dying and destructive industry. mind, never having to compromise important work we did together, and to make things and connections at We didn’t always win though. In my early days, Yukon my convictions. I always tried my tolerated my oddball antics. I will YuKonstruct and (co)space. I will Energy built Mayo B, not a wind farm on Mt Sumanik, best, but the weight of responsibility miss the camaraderie and workplace head out on kickspeditions, sailing with generous ‘no cost money’ from the federal became too heavy for me. humour. Members and volunteers, voyages and other adventures with government. We had to fight Yukon Energy through Access most notably those on the YCS Juniper and select first mates. It’s been tough to be a single parent, to Information for the favourable wind study, which was energy committee, also provided Thank you for your support over this operate a small business, and keep irritating and came too late to be useful for the Yukon critical support and helped shape amazing decade in YCS’s first half on top of the obligations of a YCS Utilities Board to recognize it as a viable and better my education and thinking around century! energy analyst – even part time. I alternative. complex energy issues. Thank you! have been lucky for an amazing and Anne Middler Yukon Energy’s LNG facility was a bitter loss. It still understanding team who always I look forward to working with YCS to hurts pretty bad and makes me want to shake my fists at had my back. Karen Baltgailis execute a strong transition in the new the sky and smoke cigarettes. If you have several hours, and Christina Macdonald were year. I will support the work of YCS I may be willing to tell you the entire sordid tale, but in exceptional Executive Directors as a volunteer member of the energy the meantime you can watch Lewis’s hilarious (nothing and bosses. Both helped me grow committee. Although I won’t speak funny about it) Hitler video, (the first search result for personally and professionally, for YCS anymore, I will continue to “Whitehorse LNG Hitler” on YouTube) which took the edge endured many of my close deadlines be outspoken for smart energy policy off the disappointing post-construction revelations. Best and passionate outbursts, and helped and projects in the community. I look not get me started. me plan ahead and work through forward to flexing my engaged citizen tough losses. muscles for the Yukon Government’s Energy, Climate and Green Economy Strategy in 2018. Anne hopes to revolutionize winter transportation. You too can join the kicksled revolution! Spring 2018 Spring 2018 12 Walk Softly Walk Softly 13 Celebration for the Peel Watershed Victory – and next steps!

At the Whitehorse Livestream of Even Tom Berger, our lead lawyer, The celebration the Peel Supreme Court decision spoke of the campaign’s grassroots The celebration began with a last December, when the news success. “I think all the people ceremonial fire-lighting, led by came through that we had — in a involved, and Yukoners — not Na Cho Nyäk Dän Elder Walter unanimous victory — won our court just those who belong to the Peters, and a water ceremony, led by case, a couple things quickly became environmental organizations, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Elders Clara Van clear. or those who were members of Bibber and Angie Joseph-Rear. It was First Nations — participated, it Yukoners were ready to celebrate. a windy, frigid day — the temperature really seemed to be a community This is a massive victory for the dipping below minus 30 — but that enterprise,” Berger told CBC on the Peel Watershed and First Nations didn’t deter the large crowd that morning of the celebration. “That rights, and it’s the result of decades gathered on the banks of the Yukon was my impression every time I came of dedication from so many people. River to share in prayer and song. up here, and the enthusiasm was so The other thing we noticed at much.” We were expecting a few dozen the livestream was that people people to show up to the story had stories to share about their Sharing our stories sharing circle afterwards, seventy connection the Peel; that although photo: Daniel Bader at the most. By 5 pm, when the the land use planning process has We were planning on hosting an event was scheduled to begin, the been embroiled in the courts for the event after the decision, no matter Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre’s past three years, the Peel Watershed what happened, but it quickly Longhouse was packed with over two The joyful energy continued Despite some challenges adapting What’s Next? is so much more than politics. became apparent that one thing that hundred people. It was a challenge throughout the buffet dinner and to the larger than expected crowds, Everyone has a unique connection many of supporters wanted was a Although we won our Supreme Court to restructure the circle at such short speeches. The audience heard from we couldn’t be happier with the to this land. We knew that after space to share why the watershed case and the Peel Watershed is much notice, and we had to come to terms Chief Roberta Joseph (Tr’ondëk celebration, and from what we saw many years of hard work, we had matters to them so deeply. The closer to being protected, we’re with the fact that with such a huge Hwëch’in First Nation), Chief Simon and heard, many who came shared reached the moment where it was wilderness, after all, is why so many still a step away from full and legal turnout, not everyone would be able Mervyn (First Nation of Na Cho Nyäk the same sentiment. All night long so important to come together and of us live here. It is who we are and protection for the watershed. to share their story. Dän), Chief Bruce Charlie (Vuntut the room was full of a sense of share our stories. what we believe in. We planned a Gwitchin First Nation), Christina pride: for the land, for how hard we The Supreme Court directed the celebration that included a venue to Still, we were in awe as person after We couldn’t have achieved what Macdonald (Yukon Conservation have worked together and for our Yukon Government back to the share these stories, and were blown person stood up with the microphone we have achieved without unity. It Society), Chris Rider (Canadian commitment to protecting a place stage of final consultations on the away with how it turned out. to share their connection to the was the first time in history that Parks and Wilderness Society, Yukon that will now remain vast and wild. Final Recommended Plan. On Peel. Whether it was exploring First Nations and environmental Chapter), The Hon. Pauline Frost December 1st, the day the decision the watershed by boat or horse, groups took a case all the way to (Minister of Environment, Yukon was released, Sandy Silver called or working behind the scenes the Supreme Court of Canada. But Government), Chief Wanda Pascal A huge thank you to The it a “A victory for all of Yukon” and organizing the events and protests this was not the only reason for (Tetlit Gwich’in), President Bobbie Wandering Bison for the fabulous committed to implementing the Final that brought us to where we are the success of this campaign. On a Jo Greenland-Morgan (Gwich’in meal, The Kwanlin Dun Cultural Recommended Plan. today, every story was charged broader scale, success came from Tribal Council), and even Thomas Centre for the venue and staff, with emotion and passion that kept The Yukon Government and First an entire territory rallying long Berger (O.C., O.B.C, Q.C.), who flew Kate White for her chocolate the audience captivated. Although Nations have already met to discuss and hard to protect this incredible from Vancouver for the celebration. cake, The Chocolate Claim, Bean everyone’s experiences and stories next steps for final consultations, watershed and modern treaties. If Afterwards, Matthew Lien hit North, Roxx Hunter and our were vastly different, one common which will be starting soon. you were at any of the Peel events the stage with his beautiful song fabulous musicians, the Youth thread was the sense that we did it, in the past few years you could see “Headwaters,” followed by Ben Chuck of Today society, Matt Jacques Stay tuned for more details about together. how people from all walks of life and Bruce Charlie and other fiddlers, and Dan Bader for capturing consultations once they are released. came out to support a cause we so who got the crowd on their feet and the evening, all of our incredible We need your voice for one last push deeply believed in. And we won! It’s jigging in no time. volunteers, and of course to see this campaign to the end! a success story that we hope will our Peel partners: The Yukon Nadine Sander-Green inspire other campaigns to know Conservation Society, Tr’ondëk CPAWS Yukon that they too can rise together. They Hwëch’in First Nation, First too can protect some of the world’s Nation of Na Cho Nyäk Dän and vulnerable and irreplaceable wild Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. places. Thank you to everyone who helped make this night such a success!

Spring 2018 Spring 2018 14 Walk Softly Walk Softly 15 Musings on the Road to

“You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.” The iconic Amongst most Yukoners I met, it felt like accepted lyric from Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi is perhaps wisdom that the land has value in its natural state, overused, but it’s exactly what I was thinking as I drove offering riches beyond anything that could be dug up. Yet YES! I want to protect the Yukon’s environment and support the Yukon Conservation Society! down the Alaska Highway last October, the rugged Yukon in the oil and gas producing towns of Northern BC and I’d like to make a tax deductible gift! wilderness becoming fainter in my rear-view mirror and Alberta, the land is often valued more for what can be __ $60 __ $200 __ $500 __ $1000 __ Surprise us! ______the familiar signs of oil and gas country looming larger extracted from it. Leaving the Yukon behind, I started on the horizon. thinking about how we come to occupy these vastly __ I’d like to make a monthly pledge by credit card of $______(charged on the 15th of each month) different mindsets. As I filled up my car at the pump The shifting scenery and constant hum of tire against __ I have made a bequest to YCS in my will in Fort St. John, mindful of my hypocrisy as a climate pavement seem to draw out new insights from the mind change activist, I wondered what it would be like to grow during road trips such as this. Just 18 months prior, I Memberships are activated on day up surrounded by oil drilling, gas flaring, refineries, and Please, sign me up as a member: had made the same journey in reverse, driving my clunky of receipt and good for 1 year, and LNG plants. Would it normalize the imprint of humans __ Student $10 __ Individual $25 __ Family $40 (2 or more people) tan sedan the 2000km from Edmonton. I had always include a subscription to the Walk on the landscape? __ I am a new member! been a bit of an anomaly as an environmentalist, a late Softly newsletter. Both donations bloomer who couldn’t trace his passion for the planet In the Yukon, there is fury over the abandonment of just a __ I am renewing my membership for 2018! and memberships are back to summers at the lake or tromps through national handful of oil and gas wells by industry, and the damage parks. No, mine was a suburban upbringing, with many they cause to the environment. In Alberta about 155,000 __ Do not send me newsletters. Instead, notify me by email when they are online. tax-deductible. more nights spent falling asleep under the bright glow of these inactive wells exist, cutely dubbed ‘orphan wells’, of a television than that of the night sky. And even as I yet no one talks about them. Perhaps the difference is Payment Method: Total $______grew into an activist, I remained a city creature. So I was this: when fundamentally altering nature is the norm, the __ Cheque #______enclosed (payable to Yukon Conservation Society) nervous as I drove north to work on the Peel campaign. loss caused by additional development feels negligible. __ Visa/Mastercard # ______Expiry ______Signature ______Sure, I was armed with some decent tools to help Supporters of the Kinder Morgan expansion point to the advance the cause, but when it came to my ‘on-the-land’ 840,000km of pipeline already built in Canada. “What Name(s):______Phone: ______credentials, my résumé was embarrassingly thin. difference does another pipeline make?” they quip. Address:______What struck me immediately upon moving to the Yukon Few places like the Yukon remain, where wilderness was the intimacy with which people knew the land and holds the balance over development. Maybe that’s the Email – for Tax Receipt and YCS Email List ______its non-human occupants. Folks seemed to have a topo reason people pay attention to what’s happening in Eagle Mail completed slip to: 302 Hawkins St. Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1X6 – Phone: 668-5678 – [email protected] map in their mind from which they could easily describe Plains or McIntyre Creek or the Peel, and why they’ll where remote rivers converge or where their favourite mobilize in defence of conservation. Maybe on some level trail ascends. I recall the dumbfounded look someone they know that if we allow development to chip away at gave me in my first week when I sheepishly admitted our wondrous natural spaces, then eventually we’ll have that I didn’t know which direction Lake Laberge was. less motivation to protect them. And like Joni Mitchell Thank you to all our • Our Board of Directors and Energy and Mining A few weeks later, a local frowned at me for hesitating said, we won’t know it until it’s all gone… wonderful volunteers Committee members ever so slightly as I named the rivers that drain into the Jason LaChappelle worked and volunteered for CPAWS who keep YCS running • Mary and Anat for their work on our Peel, while someone else was disappointed that I couldn’t and YCS during his time in the Yukon. smoothly, including: correctly identify the bohemian waxwings socializing in a membership system, outreach and database nearby tree. • Shailyn for her help with outreach • Tanya for her design work, including this newsletter • The many people who helped out with the Peel Party!

Thank You Volunteers!

Spring 2018 Spring 2018 302 Hawkins St., Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1X6

4003 7322

Annual General Meeting March 20 – You’re Invited! Tuesday March 20, 2018, 5:15-7:15pm, 302 Hawkins St., Whitehorse Dear members, donors, supporters and partners of the Yukon Conservation Society, We warmly invite you to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of YCS. Join us to learn about our achievements over the past year, hear about our plans for the coming year, meet our incoming Executive Director, Mike Walton, elect new Board members, and help us kick off our 50th anniversary events! For more information, please contact Marjolene Gauthier, Financial Manager, by email at [email protected] or at 668-5678. Cake and refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

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