Premier Darrell Pasloski was pressed with questions ranging from topics like the Peel watershed to the Yukon's housing crisis from 12 First Nations on Wednesday afternoon.

Pasloski spent almost two hours at the head of the table at the Council of Yukon First Nations' (CYFN's) 31st annual general assembly.

He answered a ream of questions from First Nations chiefs and council members, offering some firm responses around "following policy” and "working together” and some with a simple "I don't know.”

Pasloski – the premier for less than a month – started the afternoon by reading a short speech to the assembly.

He said his government is dedicated to the full implementation of land claim agreements. He also spoke about the Yukon Forum – a structure intended to establish co-operation between First Nations and the Yukon government.

"The government is committed to working on First Nation capacity development,” said Pasloski.

"We want First Nations to be full partners in the (Yukon's) economic and political future.”

Dayle MacDonald, a councillor for the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, challenged Pasloski on this issue.

"To date, the relationship has not been equal,” said MacDonald.

"We need to sit down and decide on fiscal priorities together. We need to build a co-governance relationship that will withstand political changes in both governments. Can you do that?”

Pasloski said that to a large extent, the government needs to take fiscal responsibility, but acknowledged that both his government and First Nations governments need to work together to build a Yukon Forum which works for everybody.

Kluane First Nation Chief Math'ieya Alatani asked whether Pasloski would be willing to "put his neck on the line” when Yukon Forum discussions are "driven by bureaucrats” instead of spending time exploring what the real issues are.

The premier didn't give a clear yes or no answer.

Members of the CYFN showed concern over their lack of control when it comes to mineral exploration on their traditional territory.

Tr'ondek Hwech'in Chief Eddie Taylor had another query for the premier. If the Yukon Party wins this fall's election, the Dawson City-based chief asked, would Pasloski provide more resources to the Land Use Planning Council to ensure more protection for First Nations' land?

Pasloski said he is "not sure.”

It's an issue of "capacity” within the government, he said. A territorial government is limited as how much it can accomplish all at once, he said.

"We're winding down with the Peel and starting with Dawson right now,” said Pasloski.

As to how much of the Peel watershed Pasloski is willing to protect, the premier wouldn't give any actual figures.

Pasloski said that later this month, the commission will unveil its recommendations, and the government will start the public consultation process.

"We need to follow process now to ensure all the social and economic issues are addressed,” Pasloski said. "Once you put a number on it, it becomes political.”

Pasloski was firm, though, on his commitment to renegotiate the Yukon's Revenue Resource Sharing Agreement with the federal government.

The current agreement gives the Yukon government the first $3 million in royalties, with Yukon First Nations getting 50 per cent of the first $2 million.

"Renegotiation is very important,” said Pasloski. "We need to go to Ottawa with one voice. This was one of my priorities when running for leadership.”

The heat was turned down a notch when both former Yukon commissioner Judy Gingell and CYFN Grand Chief Ruth Massie gave Pasloski a few words of guidance.

"When people come here and talk to us, we hear a lot of good things ... but I ask you to seriously sit down with the grand chief and leaders to make sure issues like the Yukon Forum are workable for everyone involved,” said Gingell, who once headed the CYFN.

Pasloski notified Massie about halfway through the forum that he was late for his next afternoon engagement.

"The next time you're invited to a general assembly, my advice is that you not make any other commitments afterwards,” said Massie, closing the forum.

When there are chiefs and delegates from all over the Yukon in one room, she concluded, you can be sure there will be a lot of questions.