The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation has proclaimed a new Heritage Act, a first of its kind for Yukon First Nations.

"It affirms our inherent rights and defines our heritage and culture," said Chief Roberta Joseph.

The First Nations says the act supersedes some sections of existing legislation regarding historic and heritage resources in the Yukon and lays out a process for resolving disputes over ownership of heritage resources between Yukon First Nations.

Debbie Nagano, director of heritage for the First Nation says the act will safeguard Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in heritage.

It's the seventh act created by Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in since it became a self-governing First Nation in 1997.

"With every new piece of legislation, our First Nation gets stronger and closer to realizing the self-government agreements," said Nagano.

'The chance to define what our heritage is'

In practical terms, Nagano says the Heritage Act will give chief and council the ability to make regulations regarding stewardship and management of heritage sites as well as development within Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in traditional territory.

"It also lays out rules for what happens when someone finds a heritage resource within our traditional territory that may be related to the history and culture of our First Nation," said Nagano.

"Most of all, it gives us the ability to define what our heritage is. Most western governments take a narrower view of what a heritage resource is than First Nations do."

For Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, she says, heritage includes history, but also living culture and how it transmits through stories, families and a way of life.

The act was developed collectively by citizens, elders, staff and other Yukon First Nations and was passed by the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in general assembly.

Chief Joseph says it will be proclaimed by chief and council on Sept. 8.

"Our new Heritage Act benefited from years of consultation, the hard work of staff, a collaboration with other Yukon First Nations, and the wisdom of our elders," said Joseph.