Letter to the Governments of Na-cho Nyäk Dun, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nations, Gwich’in Tribal Council, and the Yukon:

We the undersigned are submitting the following as our formal response to the Recommended Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan:

The Yukon’s Umbrella Final land claims Agreement specifies that “a regional Land Use Planning Commission shall promote the well-being of Yukon Indian people, other residents of the planning region ... and the Yukon as a whole, while having regard to the interests of other Canadians.”

As Canadian citizens, we support affected First Nations and Yukon people who wish to protect the Peel watershed. The future of this precious wilderness will affect all Canadians, as it provides habitat for species that are rare or threatened elsewhere.

If protected, the Peel watershed can be a long term source of economic activity from low impact wilderness tourism activities. Mining and oil and gas extraction are not compatible with eco-tourism, cultural values and ecological integrity in this unique place.

It is in the best interest of Canadians everywhere who cherish this land and the wildlife that depend on it, to protect the Peel watershed.

Sincerely,

Concerned Canadian Citizens