Northern Tutchone Seed Collection and Reclamation Training Initiative

The Northern Tutchone Seed Collection and Reclamation Training Initiative (NTSCRTI)  is a program for Northern Tutchone  youth, or youth living in a Northern Tutchone Traditional Territory ages 16-35, that seeks to develop the entry skills to participate in work related to land reclamation  and restoration. Participants will learn plant identification, plant community ecology, technical field skills, honourable seed harvesting practices, and fieldwork safety and preparation. While there will be some classroom components of this program, the focus on work in the field environment will provide participants with insight and understanding of the environmental reclamation industry.  Upon the successful completion of this program, participants will have the essential skills to assist in reclamation work, and hopefully taking their first steps in a land restoration career.

Designed in collaboration with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, this program ensures a learning balance between Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and western science. The curriculum will support the continuity of TEK and reaffirm the importance of upholding the Knowledge of our land guardians since time immemorial. The intended outcome of this initiative includes creating more opportunities for Indigenous people to participate and lead  in environmental reclamation work. The initiative is job training for long-term sustainable employment that is aligned with Northern Tutchone  values. 

Yukon Seed and Restoration (YSR)  is a First Nations owned environmental restoration company that focuses on projects in the Yukon and northern British Columbia. YSR works closely with mining operations and government organizations to reclaim and restore land in a good way, and to help it heal after industrial or natural disturbances. YSR is working on developing theYukon’s first native seed bank to ensure locally adapted seeds and plants are used in the restoration work.

Northern Tutchone Seed Collection and Reclamation Training Initiative

June 16-23, 2023

Mayo, Yukon

Open to Northern Tutchone  youth, or youth living in a Northern Tutchone Traditional Territory youth, ages 16-35
Priority for Na-Cho Nyak Dun and Selkirk First Nation Citizens.

This is a paid opportunity, participants will receive $25/hour for 8 hour days. 

Yukon Seed and Restoration will provide:

• Accommodations
•  Meals during training
• Personal protective equipment, and all program materials
• Transportation to Mayo from anywhere in the Yukon (Under circumstances where participant pick up and drop off does not fit the schedule, gas cards can be provided for participants to provide their own transportation. )
• Transportation from our training session to the NND Annual General Assembly on June 24-25th weekend, and back.
• Childcare options may be available, please contact us in advance if you will require childcare. 

How to Apply

While we recommend applying via the online form below, YSR is dedicated to barrier-free access. If you would like to submit an application in-person or over the phone, please call or email Hilary Lefort at 613-795-1200 or hilary@yukonseed.ca

About NTSCRTI Funders & Project Partners

This work is made possible through ongoing community support from our partners on this initiative: 

• First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
• Selkirk First Nation
• Selkirk Development Corporation
• Victoria Gold Corporation
• Banyan Gold Corporation
• Newmont Corporation
• Yukon University Center for Northern Mining Innovation
• Carleton University
• FloraTek Consulting

The Northern Tutchone Seed Collection and Reclamation Training Initiative would not be possible without the dedicated support from our funders. This initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Skills and Partnership Fund.