The Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) in the Yukon has signed an agreement with the federal government to lead the clean-up of several contaminated sites on its traditional territory. This includes the former Arctic Gold and Silver mine, the Venus mine, and the Chooutla residential school site. The agreement marks a significant step in empowering the First Nation to take control of the remediation process, with C/TFN playing a central role in overseeing the projects and working in partnership with the government.
The contaminated sites, including toxic tailings from the mines and hydrocarbon pollution at the Chooutla school site, have damaged the land, wildlife, and plant life that the First Nation depends on. Deputy Chief Darla-Jean Lindstrom expressed relief that the clean-up will help protect the environment and support traditional practices. The First Nation’s development corporation, Carcross Tagish Group of Companies, will manage the remediation projects, creating local employment opportunities and long-term economic benefits for the community.
While the project may take five to seven years, it will also provide training and infrastructure development for the region. However, concerns remain about the safety of handling the contaminants, particularly at the Arctic Gold and Silver site, and the public is advised to avoid certain areas during the clean-up.
Read the full story on CBC: