NDP's Hanson: Yukon gov't seeks First Nations reconciliation to frack

The Yukon government's motives to reach a reconciliation agreement with Kaska First Nations are being called into question, with the opposition party leader suggesting the government may have an ulterior intention.

The government has been in talks with the two Kaska First Nations in the territory — the Liard First Nation and Ross River Dena Council — in attempts at reaching a 'reconciliation agreement.' 

Yukon NDP leader Liz Hanson pressed Premier Darrell Pasloski on the plan yesterday in the legislative assembly, suggesting that his efforts were steeped in a desire to extract natural resources.

"It is clear the Yukon Party wants to frack southeast Yukon," she said, "and it needs Kaska leadership to support this agenda. Is the reconciliation agreement the premier's way to seek the green light to frack southeast Yukon?"

Hanson previously criticized Pasloski for his reaction to the news the Kaska First Nations planned to pass their own resource law. Pasloski said the Kaska couldn't pass any law because they're still under the Indian Act.

Pasloski didn't exactly refute the suggestion in his reply, stating that his government's attempts at reconciliation were to "address issues that have existed in the past, and to ensure that those First Nations are able to benefit in economic development within their traditional territory."

Kaska protestors joined an anti-fracking demonstration yesterday in Whitehorse, complaining not only about the government's lack of consultation on the controversial practice, but their First Nation's leadership, as well.

Pasloski also said he'd prefer the Kaska sign a final land claim agreement, however, without one he said a reconciliation agreement will help the First Nations benefit from economic development.