Council of Yukon First Nations backs groups applying to Supreme Court over Peel dispute

The Council of Yukon First Nations ispublicly supporting three first nations and two environmental groups in their fight to have the Peel Watershed case heard by Canada's highest court.

Members of CYFN passed a resolution at a recent leadership meeting about the Peel, agreeing that if the Supreme Court decides to hear the case, itwill apply to be interveners.

• RELATED:Peel watershed land use case may go to Supreme Court of Canada

Grand Chief Ruth Massie said it'simportant to protect the integrity of the the Umbrella Final Agreement and Land Claims.

The First Nations of Tr'ondkHwch'in,NachoNyakDunandVuntutGwitchin, along withCPAWSYukonand the Yukon Conservation Society, have applied for leave to appeal the Yukon Court of Appeal's November decision to send the Peel planning process back to an earlier stage.

All parties have now submitted documents to the Supreme Court and arewaiting to hear if the case will be heard.

Earlier this month, the Gwich'in Tribal Council filed its application for intervener status in the case.

Meanwhile, the Yukon Government is urging the Supreme Court to not hear the case, arguing there is no issue of national or public importance at stake.

The Supreme Court is expected to take a couple of months before reaching a decision.

CPAWS has new director

One of the environmental groups involved in the Peel dispute has a new executive director.

Chris Rider, who worked in the top position at BYTE Empowering Youth for four years, will take up his new position with the Yukon chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in April.

Rider will replaceJillPangman, who has been the organization'sinterim executive director sinceGill Cracknellretired in the fall.