The citizenship of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation sent a message to its leaders over the weekend regarding their stance on hydraulic fracturing on traditional territory.

A resolution passed at the First Nation's annual general assembly in Old Crow opposed the method of oil and gas extraction, also known as fracking, until it is proven safe.

"Essentially, what the resolution says is that it directs the chief and council to oppose hydraulic fracturing until such time as it is 100 per cent safe in terms of ground water, fish and other animals,” Chief Joe Linklater said Monday.

At this point there have been no projects proposed that would involve fracking on Vuntut Gwitchin land, the chief said

But the resolution allows the first nation to get out in front of any questions that may come up in the future.

"It allows us to continue the discussions with industry and government. But it puts out front the Vuntut Gwitchin's position and where that discussion needs to go in terms of a direction.”

Linklater said the debate over hydraulic fracturing has been heating up around the territory, particularly in the last few months.

It is a topic his community has been paying attention to and felt the need to take a stance on early, the chief said.

Opponents of the practice say it has too many environmental risks, including the potential contamination of ground water.

Those advocating for fracking, insist it is more environmentally sound than other energy sources and a better economic choice.

This is not the first time a Yukon first nation has taken a stance on the controversial practice.

The Council of Yukon First Nations unanimously passed its own similar resolution in June at its annual general assembly.

The resolution declared all member nations' traditional territory "frack-free.”

Earlier in June, The Tr'ondek Hwech'in of Dawson City became the first Yukon First Nation to declare their aboriginal settlement lands frack-free.

The latest resolution was one of 11 passed at the Vuntut Gwitchin general assembly.

Other resolutions included a call to improve Gwitch'n language use in the community and to undertake a research project on the current prohibition law in place in Old Crow.