What are being described as historic new agreements for a collaborative approach to operating the Aishihik Generating Station were signed last Thursday.

The signing event occurred during the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) General Assembly at the Takhini River subdivision.

“Fifty years since the construction of the Aishihik Generating Station, we are at a major turning point as we sign these agreements,” CAFN Chief Steve Smith said Monday.

“These agreements are built through CAFN asserting Dän K’e – our way. We have built a new collaborative relationship with the Government of Yukon (Yukon), and we have a new path to reduce the impacts by working with Yukon Energy Corporation.”

The CAFN understand the dam “is vital to power the Yukon, and we know that together we can do much better to reduce its harms to CAFN lands, water and people,” Smith added.

“Today we start a new path forward together to stop the harms and begin to restore Äshèyi. The path to true reconciliation and healing is going to be a long one. While this first step is a good indication we’re on that path, it’s only the first step.”

The CAFN, the territory and the Yukon Energy Corp. (YEC) have carried out a long and thorough process to reach these agreements, the parties said in a statement released Monday.

They are founded on years of input and guidance from CAFN citizens.

“The Yukon government is committed to strong government-to-government relationships that foster reconciliation, and we are pleased to forge a new collaborative partnership with the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Yukon Energy Corporation,” said Premier Sandy Silver.

“Renewable energy is essential to address climate change and meet the Yukon’s clean energy targets set out in Our Clean Future.

“These agreements establish a shared path forward for the long-term operation of the Aishihik Generating Station so that all Yukoners can continue to rely on this renewable energy source.”

Lesley Cabott, who chairs the YEC’s board of directors, said the generating station “is critical to delivering the energy that Yukon needs today and tomorrow.

“These agreements chart a path for Yukon Energy, the Yukon government and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations to work together in a manner that respects the interests of the people whose traditional territories and land the facility is located, to maintain the benefits of renewable energy produced by the facility, while minimizing the impacts that come with generating that energy,” Cabott said.

“The work that has gone into developing these agreements has shown us all that long-term solutions and improvements to processes require strong relationships built on respect. The result will be a brighter and more successful future for all Yukon people.”

The accord and agreements are a commitment to a renewed relationship and a shared path forward regarding the long-term operation of the station and stewardship of Aishihik.

It says the parties recognize the strong foundation provided by the CAFN Final Agreement and Self-government Agreement and the assessment and licensing processes created through those agreements.

The parties are committed to working together through these processes and over the dam’s long-term operation of the generating station.

The accord establishes a long-term relationship supported by a combination of bilateral and trilateral agreements among the CAFN, the territory and the YEC.

The accord identifies senior officials from both governments who are responsible for the implementation of the accord and agreement.

These senior officials will provide updates and information back to their respective organizations.

The CAFN, YG and the YEC have created a number of agreements to guide their relationship regarding the facility’s long-term operation and bring effect to reconciliation through the implementation of shared priorities.

The parties have identified opportunities for community development, promoting the practice of traditions in and celebrating the cultural history of Aishihik, focusing on stewardship in the area through research and monitoring, and supporting energy planning and improving energy efficient infrastructure.

Äshèyi Män (Aishihik Lake) is in the CAFN traditional territory in the Yukon.

For thousands of years, CAFN dän (people) have lived at Äshèyi in areas including Äshèyi village, Chemi and the Yanlin (Canyon).

Äshèyi remains of great importance to the CAFN’s connection to the land, water, culture and heritage.

The generating station is located at the south end of the lake, about 110 kilometres northwest of Whitehorse, and has provided electricity to Yukoners since 1975.

It it’s a significant power source for the Yukon’s energy system. The facility is capable of producing 37 megawatts of power, and is critical in meeting peak winter demand.

The station has undergone a number of assessment and licensing processes.

Most recently, the YEC is seeking a five-year licence to maintain its operations.

These processes provide for broad involvement and the CAFN have actively participated through sharing valuable knowledge and information.

CAFN citizens have participated in every licensing process for the facility since the very first Yukon Water Board hearing in 1972.