Yukon NDP questions gov't on closed-door negotiations with Kaska Nations

Yukon PremierDarrell Pasloskihas been taken totask by the Official Opposition in the legislaturefor negotiating a KaskaNationsreconciliation agreement behind closed doors

The Yukon government signed a framework agreementwith the Ross River Dena Council, the Liard First Nation, and the northernB.C.based Kaska Dena Council in January. The talks are about resource and land developmentinsoutheast Yukon, an area potentially rich in natural gas and mineral deposits.

The Kaska Nations have not signed land claim and self-government agreements with the territorial and federal governments. Most other Yukon First Nations already have processes in place to accommodate development.

Inthe legislature Monday, New Democraticleader Liz Hanson asked Pasloski why the agreements are being negotiated at a boardroom in Vancouver, far from Kaska communitiesand Kaska First Nationsmembers.

"Does the premier really believe that reconciliation can be achieved through negotiations in a distant boardroom rather than working with all segments of Yukon's communities," Hanson asked.

Pasloski replied he's "proud to continue to move forward with First Nations on this very important issue." He said it was the Kaska leaderswho wanted to meet in Vancouver, and his negotiators simply complied with that request.

"We have our negotiators who work with their negotiators, this is how public government recognizes the duly elected governments of First Nations. We continue to work with them," the premier said.

The Yukon government is spending just over $2 million this year on the Kaska Framework Agreement.The agreement is meant to lead toland and resource management deals with the Kaska, according to the territorial government.

It also includes agreements with the Kaska Nationsto address the Yukon government's obligationto consult on mineral exploration.