Today, Y2Y celebrates some good news about Indigenous-led conservation in the Yellowstone to Yukon region.
On Dec. 6 Ross River Dena Council, the Government of Yukon, and Parks Canada announced a national park reserve feasibility study in partnership with Ross River Dena Council in Yukon Territory.
The study will focus on exploring a national park reserve proposed within the Ross River Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (Tū Łī́dlini in Kaska language), which spans 40,902 km² (15,792 mi²) of pristine wilderness in central-east Yukon. A feasibility study is part of the approach to creating new national parks and national park reserves.
This is a meaningful step toward protecting one of northern Canada’s most ecologically and culturally significant landscapes and supports Canada’s goal of protecting 30 per cent of its lands by 2030.
“This is a moment of hope. It shows the power of combining ecological conservation with cultural stewardship — a key focus for Y2Y. We’re committed to supporting our Kaska partners and work like this that helps nature and communities thrive together,” says Y2Y’s director of landscape protection, Tim Burkhart.
Where the river meets, and the people gather
In English, Tū Łī́dlini means “where the river meets, and the people gather.” This remarkable area about the size of Switzerland stretches from the lowlands of the Pelly River Valley to the rugged peaks of the Selwyn-Mackenzie Mountains.
Northern Canada’s ecological diversity flourishes in this remarkable region, which serves as critical habitat along the expansive Yellowstone to Yukon corridor.
From salmon runs to ancient caribou migration routes and bird flyways, it’s key for wildlife movement. The lowlands are full of wetlands perfect for moose and other wildlife.
These interconnected ecosystems are not only environmentally significant but also hold deep cultural meaning for the Ross River Dena, who have long depended on and stewarded this landscape.
While this is an incremental step, it’s one full of hope. It shows the power of combining ecological conservation with cultural stewardship — a key focus for Y2Y.
We’re committed to supporting work like this that helps nature and communities thrive together.
Conservation through collaboration
This is an extension of our role which has been working with other conservation partners and Ross River to build support and create the enabling conditions for this step. Work that is possible thanks to your financial support.
We applaud Ross River Dena Council, Yukon Government, and Parks Canada for their collaboration in signing the memorandum of understanding that paves the way for this study. Conservation happens through collaboration. Together, they’ve set the stage for a study that could lead to a national park reserve, offering opportunities for conservation, reconciliation, and sustainable development in the region.
The feasibility study will be led by Parks Canada in close partnership with Ross River Dena Council and the Yukon Government. The study will evaluate the environmental, cultural, social, and economic factors involved in potentially designating this exceptional area as a national park reserve.
This is the second national park feasibility study announced in 2024 for the Yellowstone to Yukon region. The first, in Yukon Territory’s on Gwich’in and First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun territory, was announced in April 2024. The area includes the Peel River corridor, Turner Lake Wetlands, and Caribou River, all identified for permanent protection under the 2019 Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan.
We’re so proud to support this important work and will keep you updated as it progresses!
