Homelands
Many of our people were originally from Little Salmon Village, an ancient village site that was occupied for thousands of years, according to historical records. Little Salmon Village is located along the banks of the scenic Yukon River, approximately 35 kilometres east of Carmacks on the Campbell Highway. The Little Salmon River also flows into the Yukon River at Little Salmon Village. Many of our citizens have strong ancestral ties rooted in historical and cultural significance to Little Salmon Village, and are often referred to affectionately as “my grandfather’s land”. Trade Gatherings with the Tlingit, potlatches, ceremonies and other historical governance functions were practiced, and in recent times, most notably our Annual General Assembly which is held here every second year.
Our citizens eventually moved to Carmacks for a variety of reasons, however, this area remains a revered and respected ancestral homeland. During the summer months, many families move here during the salmon run; a traditional activity that remains integral to who we are.
The Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation (LS/CFN) is one of eleven self-governing First Nations in Yukon and has a membership of 781 citizens. LS/CFN holds elections for one chief, one deputy chief, two wolf councillors, two crow councillors, an Elder and a youth councillor every four years. This Council is responsible for the overall governance of the First Nation, and is given direction through our Annual General Assembly and is directly accountable to our citizens and assembly.
The Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation citizens have two clans, the Wolf and Crow Clans and are matriarchal people; the children follow the clan of the Mother and Grandmother. All citizens are guided by our traditional laws of Caring, Sharing, Respect and Teaching; a practice that has sustained our people for thousands of years. LS/CFN is part of the Northern Tutchone language and cultural grouping and therefore closely affiliated with Northern Tutchone nations of Selkirk First Nation and the First Nation of Nacho Nyack Dun. The three nations work together on matters of concern to all.
LS/CFN signed its Final Agreement and Self-Government Agreement on July 2nd, 1997, which gave them broad sweeping powers including the ability to pass legislation and take over the responsibility for programs and services for its citizens. They also now have an LS/CFN Constitution; regarded as the highest law of our land.
Carmacks is a thriving community with a predominantly Northern Tutchone population, and we share this community with many long-term non-native residents and other residents, many of whom love this community for its beauty and wilderness setting, as we do. We have, and continue to work together for the betterment of our community.
Requests for information about us, our policies, councils, or committees can be directed to our Council Clerk or use the form on this page to contact us. You can also use the sitemap for quick links through our website OR search.
Traditional Territory
Many of our Elders and Citizens were involved in the negotiations of our Settlement Lands; these lands chose carefully and with much deliberation, for the cultural significance including spiritual sites, traditional hunting, fishing and gathering, and for the protection of animal habitat. These lands were hard fought for during negotiations and are deeply rooted in the essence of who we are as a people.
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