Shorty, G. ElaineNawshawclaw Kukhhittan- Raven Executive Director, Yukon First Nations Heritage Group
Traditional Knowledge Policy of the Yukon First Nations Heritage Group with Marilyn Jensen, and Gertie Tom , Art Johns, and Emma Shorty (elders) The Yukon First Nations Heritage Group (YFNHG) consists of 15 First Nations from the Yukon and Northern British Columbia, including three inland Tlingit nations. In relation to the theme “Telling Our Stories” we will share our Traditional Knowledge Policy recently implemented with Yukon and the Taku River Tlingits. In “telling our stories” we must be careful in who we tell our stories to and how to control TK information—including previously recorded information and current research. Most Yukon First Nations have extensive documentation of their elders’ knowledge dating back to the 1970s or earlier. Further, older research usually did not include prior informed consent protocols, and it is often unclear whether the knowledge may be used for public purposes. This invaluable knowledge is sensitive, and in the age of digital information exchange, intellectual property current laws do not adequately address First Nations’ protocols. Each nation needs to develop approaches to this issue that are consistant with their unique culture, such as clan ownership of at.óow among Tlingit nations. YFNHG has spent two years working with our members to assist them in developing and implementing policies, so that they can share their knowledge with a feeling of security and assurance that proper protocols are being respected. We want our coastal neighbors to be aware of these efforts, and hope that our work will encourage them to share their thoughts and experiences.
