TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE The use of Traditional Knowledge (TK) is an essential part of the proposed Fish Habitat Management Regime for Yukon Placer Mining. The term Traditional Knowledge refers to unique knowledge held by First Nations and First Nation

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TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGEThe use of Traditional
Knowledge (TK) is an essential part of the
proposed Fish Habitat Management Regime for Yukon
Placer Mining.The term Traditional Knowledge
refers to unique knowledge held by First Nations
and First Nation members because of their
traditional use of and familiarity with the land,
water, wildlife and environment.First Nations
are being invited to contribute Traditional
Knowledge to the proposed Regime. It will be used
together with scientific and local information as
the watershed authorizations are being developed.
The Yukon Placer Secretariat is working
together with First Nations to gather TK with
their assistance and direction. The approach for
each First Nation is being adapted to suit their
needs and requirements. In general, the
Secretariat approach is - Each First Nation
identifies their TK-holders. - The Secretariat
schedules meetings on Traditional Knowledge in
each community under the guidance of the
First Nation. - At the Traditional Knowledge
meetings, the Secretariat - Provides a
briefing on the Regime and draft watershed
authorization(s) that affect that First Nations
traditional territory. - Requests Traditional
Knowledge for use in the development of the
watershed authorization(s) that affect that First
Nations traditional territory.First Nation
governments will decide whether or not to share
Traditional Knowledge with the Secretariat.
The Proposed Fish Habitat Management Regime for
Yukon Placer Mining
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How Will Traditional Knowledge Be Used in the
Proposed Regime?Traditional Knowledge may be
used to increase the protection of fish and fish
habitat in some areas of the Yukon.Based upon
studies and observations, the Secretariat has
created maps showing the streams that Chinook
salmon use for spawning. Spawning streams receive
the highest degree of protection under the
proposed management system.Traditional
Knowledge holders can help improve the maps by
ensuring they show all the areas where spawning
occurs. These maps can also be improved in other
ways.Traditional Knowledge holders can help by
ensuring that the maps show - Traditional
fishing sites - Spawning areas for trout, salmon
other than Chinook and char - Habitat that
supports fish of cultural and ceremonial
importanceSharing this knowledge will work to
ensure that these areas receive the required
level of protection.First Nations are also
welcome to share other traditional knowledge. For
example, traditional knowledge related to
over-wintering habitat, sediment, stream flows
and water temperature will all improve the
understanding that habitat managers have gained
from scientific knowledge.LOCAL
KNOWLEDGELocal knowledge and experience will be
gathered during our consultation process and
utilized in the development of the watershed
authorizations.
The Proposed Fish Habitat Management Regime for
Yukon Placer Mining