A once-in-a-generation conservation opportunity

How you helped make it happen.

Imagine a wild area the size of Switzerland. No roads or rumbling trucks. No subdivisions or industrial development. Just ancient forests, vast alpine meadows, and crystal clear rivers. Moose live here, as do grizzly bears, thousands of migratory songbirds… and seven herds of woodland caribou that sustained vibrant Indigenous communities for millennia.

The good news? This place exists. The better news is we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect it.

In northern B.C., near the Yukon border, Dene K’éh Kusān is the largest tract of intact, unprotected wilderness in B.C.

It’s the beating heart of the Yellowstone to Yukon region, a globally significant landscape stretching across 40,000 square kilometers (9.88 million acres). It’s also the territory of the Kaska Dena, who have cared for these lands for thousands of years.

And they have a plan to protect it for thousands of years more.

The Kaska Dena have proposed an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area that comprises 4 per cent of B.C.’s landmass and a significant portion of the Yellowstone to Yukon region. They’re working with neighboring First Nations, regional stakeholders, and all levels of government to make it a reality. Thanks to your generosity, Y2Y has spent decades working to support the Kaska Dena’s vision for this world class protected area.

We first signed a formal agreement with the Kaska Dena in 2005. For 21 years, you have helped sustain this relationship and vision. The funds you’ve contributed supported a land guardian program, amplified the Kaska storytelling and advocacy, and contributed technical expertise to the land use planning process.

Now this long-term investment is reaching its watershed moment.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity—and it’s not an exaggeration. We’ve never before had this alignment of Indigenous leadership, a pathway toward conservation, and the political will to follow through. It’s very special, and we can’t afford to lose momentum at this critical time.” Tim Burkhart, Y2Y’s Director of Landscape Protection.

The provincial and federal governments have shown interest in supporting and funding the Kaska Dena’s Indigenous-led conservation plan.

The land use planning process is underway. Now we need more voices across the Yellowstone to Yukon region to make it clear to decision-makers this initiative matters. We need you to champion this monumental conservation opportunity.

Dene K’éh Kusān will protect world-class wilderness and wildlife, and create a conservation-based economy with opportunities for Indigenous land guardians, guide outfitters and ecotourism. Generations of Indigenous peoples, outdoor enthusiasts and nature-lovers will continue to enjoy this spectacular landscape.

In the Kaska Dena language, Dene K’éh Kusān means Always will be there.

Thanks to the Kaska people leading this effort, and caring people like you supporting their work, we are optimistic it will be.

Can you help us cross the finish line?

If you live in B.C., consider writing to your MLA, the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and the Premier to express your support for Dene K’éh Kusān. Canadians can also write to the Prime Minister and the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change (and Nature).

Wherever you live, your ongoing financial support allows Y2Y to continue walking alongside the Kaska Dena to protect Dene K’éh Kusān forever. Thank you!