Yukon First Nations weigh revamping council

Delegates to the Council of Yukon First Nations' general assembly in Whitehorse are debating a controversial proposal to redraw the group's organizational chart and change its power structure.

Fourteen First Nations belong to the council, including some aboriginal communities from northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.

The Council of Yukon First Nations was formed in 1973 to negotiate Yukon land claims.

But since most of the territory's First Nations have since negotiated land-claim and self-government agreements with the federal government, the council has been struggling to find its focus.

A task force was struck last fall to find ways to restructure the organization. Its 12-page report suggests dissolving the council's society status and becoming a non-profit corporation.

It also proposes having member First Nations share some of their self-governing powers with the council, giving the council authority to negotiate with other levels of government on their behalf.

But that proposal has led the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in Old Crow, Yukon, to opt out of the council altogether. Three other Yukon First Nations are also not members at this time.

On Wednesday, delegates from the Ta'an Kwach'an Council called for a formal process for member First Nations to leave the council. There is no process in place at present, they say.

Also being proposed is a flexible membership, especially since the council includes Gwich'in communities from the Northwest Territories.

N.W.T. delegates said the council currently focuses too much on Yukon-based First Nations. Council officials said they would try to ensure First Nations from outside the Yukon have the right to participate fully in the council.

The assembly is also discussing a proposal to rename the council's head official from grand chief to chairperson.

Discussion on reorganizing the council is expected to carry on after the assembly wraps up on Thursday.