The Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA) was signed in 1993 by the Council of Yukon First Nations and Governments of Canada and Yukon. The UFA sets the foundation for the SGYFNs Final and Self Government Agreements.

The Umbrella Final Agreement

  • Agrees that 8.5% or 41,595 square kilometers of the Yukon will be SGYFNs Settlement Lands;
  • Agrees that SGYFNs are to receive $242.6 million (1989 dollars) for 15 years as financial compensation;
  • Sets up Yukon wide management structures set up for heritage, wildlife, lands and resources;
  • Commits to negotiate Self Government Agreements.

Final Agreements

  • Contains all 28 chapters of the UFA + specific provisions for individual SGYFNs + appendices describing Settlement Lands;
  • Have been signed by 11 of 14 Yukon First Nations;
  • Are constitutionally recognized and protected by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;
  • Are accompanied by an implementation plan that identifies activities, time frames, resources and responsibilities for implementing the Final Agreements.

Self Government Agreements

  • Replace the Indian Act Bands with Yukon First Nations governments;
  • Require Yukon First Nations to develop Constitutions;
    • Provide SGYFNs with the jurisdiction, powers and responsibilities to become legal entities that can:
      • enter into contracts;
      • acquire, hold and sell properties;
      • invest, borrow and spend monies;
      • form corporations and other bodies; and
      • sue or be sued;
  • Establish a framework of relationships with other orders of governments;
  • Establish a fiscal transfer agreement;
  • Outline a process for the transfer of certain programs and services from other levels of governments;
  • Are accompanied by an implementation plan that identifies the activities, time frames, resources and responsibilities for implementing the Self Government Agreements.

For more detailed information, please refer to individual SGYFN websites at cyfn.ca.