Northern premiers head to Old Crow, Yukon for annual meeting

The three territorial premiers are again going off the beaten trackfor the annual Northern Premiers' Forum. Last year they travelled to Kugluktuk, Nunavut, whilethis year, they're headed to Old Crow, Yukon.

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski, N.W.T.Premier BobMcLeod and Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna will first go toDawson City on Thursday,before heading to Old Crow on Fridaymorning for a second day of meetings.

"They could have met anywhere, in any of the three capitals in the North, but they chose Old Crow," said deputy Vuntut Gwitchin Chief Stan Njootli in Old Crow.

"We're isolated and that's great that they're going to be herecome here to meet, and meet the people."

Njootli hopes it will be eye-opening for the premiers to see theGwitchin community, and he hopes they pay particular attention to the impacts of climate change.

"There's a lot of land erosion and there isn't very much discussions about that," he said. He mentionedpermafrost melting along the river, lakes draining, and vegetation growing instrange ways.

Njootli also hopes the three premiers will spend time discussing the economy.

The visiting premiers will be introduced in the Yukon Legislative Assembly Thursday morning before boarding a plane for Dawson City.

On Friday, a special lunch will be held for the premiers and the publicat the John Tizya Centre.