The Kaska Nation says it will shut down all mining exploration

The Kaska Nation says it will shut down all mining exploration in their traditional territories, with a planned blockade of the North Canol road to mining activity. It says the move is the direct response to proposed amendments to the Oil and Gas Act that would erase the Kaska’s veto rights over developments in southeast Yukon. The Ross River Dena Council and the Liard First Nation said they are also considering blocking mining activity on their traditional territory. “That could well include roadblocks and protests as well as legal action,” said Liard McMillan, the Liard First Nation’s chief. The Kaska have not extinguished their Aboriginal rights to the land, said McMillan. Kaska wants to be partners with the mining industry, but he said the “reckless” and “confrontational” approach by the Yukon government is getting in the way.