Creation and Mandate

The mandate of the Yukon Heritage Resources Board (YHRB) is to provide advice to governments on issues that affect the Yukon’s heritage resources. Board members work with a variety of groups and individuals across the territory and nationally to fulfil this mandate. YHRB supports a broad view of heritage that encompasses not only objects, artefacts and buildings, but also trails and routes, burial grounds, oral and written history, and languages.

YHRB was established in 1995 in accordance with Chapter 13 of the Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA). The Board’s duties and responsibilities are outlined primarily in Chapter 13 of the First Nation Final Agreements and the Yukon’s Historic Resources Act (Part 1, Section 4). Under the Final Agreements, the Board may make recommendations to the Minister and to Yukon First Nations regarding the management of Moveable Heritage Resources and Heritage Sites. The Board may make recommendations on any matter related to Heritage Resources, including traditional knowledge, traditional languages, review of regulations pertaining to Heritage Resources, and other heritage matters identified in 13.5.3. The YHRB may also be asked to make determinations pursuant to Chapter 13 sections 13.3.2.1 (ownership of contested heritage resources) and 13.3.6 (management of ethnographic objects and palaeontological or archaeological objects).

Under the Historic Resources Act, the Board is to advise the Minister on appropriate policies and guidelines for the designation of historic sites and appropriate policies; guidelines and standards for the care and custody of historic objects; making regulations under the Act; and the use of the Yukon Historic Resources Fund.

The Board comprises ten members from throughout the Yukon who operate in the public interest. The Council of Yukon First Nations nominates five appointees and the Yukon government nominates five, with the concurrence of the government of Canada for one of the selections. All appointments are made by the Yukon Minister of Tourism and Culture for three-year terms.