Yukon First Nations hold Liberals to S-6 promise

Yukon First Nations leaders say they're pleased with Monday's election outcome, and they now expect action to repeal Bill S-6.

The Conservative government legislation, passed earlier this year, amends Yukon'sEnvironmental and Socio-economic Act. Yukon First Nations fought the bill, saying it undermines their final agreements. Just days before the election, three FirstNationslaunched a court challenge.

The Liberals, however, ran on a campaign that promisedto repeal the offending legislation.

"We're going to hold them to their commitment," said Eric Fairclough, chief of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation. It's one of the First Nations named in the suit against the federal government.

Faircloughalso signaled that the lawsuit could be shelved.

"It could really mean we'd be saving the taxpayers a whole lot of money, by not going through the major court system," he said.

Fairclough was among the celebrants at Yukon Liberal candidate Larry Bagnell's victory party on election night. Steve Smith, chief of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, andKwanlin Dn Chief Doris Bill werealso there.

"Feels like we've got our country back," Smith said, calling the Liberal win "uplifting."

Bill agreed and said the election may mark a "turning point" for aboriginal people.

"First Nationspeople across the country, indigenouspeopleacross the country, came out in droves, I believe," Bill said.

"Ithink we made a difference."