Paul Birckel, the former chief of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations in Yukon who played a major role in negotiating one of the territory's first land claim agreements, has died. During that time, he led negotiations for what would be one of the first four land claim and self-government agreements in Yukon. Speaking to CBC last year, to mark 25 years of self-government, Birckel recalled that he saw the landmark agreement as something that would "give a lot of hope" to his people. Birckel was given many awards over the years, for his role in negotiating land claim agreements and his business success. Birckel also had a hand in business, helping several Yukon First Nations purchase the Yukon Inn, and launching a forest products division at Dakwakada, CAFN's investment arm.

Source: CBC News July 09, 2021 12:56 UTC