Scientists, bureaucrats and a sprinkling of politicians have gathered at Yukon College today to talk about the establishment of a climate change research centre.

"Despite the cold snap of recent days, global warming is happening, and much more quickly than the scientists and experts has expected, " Chief Eddie Skookum of the Little Salmon-Carmacks First Nation told delegates in his opening remarks this morning.

"Because of this rapid warming in this region, our communities are being affected in many ways."

The Northern Tutchone leader said climate change is affecting wildlife, the land, the forest and the water.

It is imperative to begin preparations for living in a future that could be radically different than the past, Skookum told scores of delegates from across the country, but largely from the Yukon.

"I think I speak for all aboriginal people when I say we must play a key role in the creation and the operation of this centre."

The commitment to a "Climate Change Research Centre of Excellence" was laid in the Yukon Party's election platform in the fall of 2006.

The chief said he was happy to see the threat of climate change is finally registering with the federal and territorial governments.

What's eventually learned here in the Yukon can be shared across the country and around the world, Skookum said.

"This centre will focus on how to adapt to the effects of climate change."

Community Services Minister Glenn Hart welcomed guests on behalf of Premier Dennis Fentie with a statement outlining the government's commitment to climate change research. Fentie is in Ottawa.

Yukon communities, said Hart, need to adopt responsive and adaptive measures to climate change.

The first of three specific community projects to look at adapting community infrastructure to changing climates is underway in Dawson City, as part of research funded by Ottawa under the International Polar Year initiative, he pointed out.

Hart said the project is being guided by a three-way partnership among the City of Dawson, Yukon College and the Tron'dek Hwech'in First Nation.

Representatives from the symposium were scheduled to hold a briefing this afternoon to review today's discussion and conclusions.

In a press release announcing the symposium, Fentie said: "We see the proposed centre as an important partnership in our commitment to manage and adapt to the impacts of climate change on the lives of all Yukoners, and to work on solutions that will benefit northerners everywhere."