To the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources and federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Re: Use of traplines for wilderness tourism

Current Status:

The wilderness tourism potential of the Na'cho N'y'ak Dun Traditional Territory is high and presently under developed. Local trappers could benefit from these circumstances and create summer employment by offering wilderness tours on their traplines. The capital required for this would be minimized if they were able to use their trapline cabins and other facilities associated with their trapping operation.

Concern:

Trappers are under the impression that it is illegal to use any trapline facilities for wilderness tourism other than tours offered during the trapping season. From discussions at the workshop it was apparent that this lack of understanding was fairly universal in the Yukon.

RECOMMENDATION to YDRR & DIAND:

The Council, therefore, recommends that the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, in consultation with trappers, RRCs, First Nations and YFWMB, prepare a clear but detailed explanation of how a trapper could legally conduct wilderness tours on his/her trapline.