Article 26

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired.

2. Indigenous peoples have the right to own, use, develop and control the lands, territories and resources that they possess by reason of traditional ownership or other traditional occupation or use, as well as those which they have otherwise acquired.

3. States shall give legal recognition and protection to these lands, territories and resources. Such recognition shall be conducted with due respect to the customs, traditions and land tenure systems of the indigenous peoples concerned.

92. We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This would include, but not be limited to, the following:

i. Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects.

ii. Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.

iii. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

Canada was founded on Indigenous territory theft and the industries that grew this country were based largely on immense profits extracted from the Land. This wealth never benefited the First Nations, Métis and Inuit who lived and continue to live here and unfortunately, a few hundred years later, we’re awkwardly talking about making things right while seldom taking the important steps towards true reconciliation.

As an outdoor-based company that brings people out on the Land, we are interacting with a landscape that defines the culture, identity and life of people who have been stewarding this territory since time immemorial. It is of vital importance that everything we do here at Yukon Alpine Adventures is done through a reconciliatory lens, as well as with utmost care to include First Peoples in our planning, engagement and adventure offerings.