About
The Ddhaw Ghro Habitat Protection Area is an isolated block of mountains spanning about 1,600 km2, lying between the Pelly and Stewart Rivers in the central Yukon. The name Ddhaw Ghro refers to the “many peaks” of the McArthur Mountains in the Northern Tutchone language.
This area has important spiritual and cultural values and has been treated with great respect by Northern Tutchone people for thousands of years. The Doòli, or traditional law process has guided the use and management of the area for many generations. As far back as Elders tell, Northern Tutchone people have harvested sheep, moose, caribou, rabbits, porcupine, grouse, ptarmigan, ducks, fish, medicinal plants and berries in the area as part of their seasonal travels.
The area became the McArthur Game Sanctuary in 1948 to protect a small, isolated population of dark-coloured Fannin’s sheep, the special natural features and cultural and spiritual values of the area. The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Final Agreement identified this as a special management area in 1993. In 1997, the Selkirk First Nation Final Agreement confirmed the establishment of the Ddhaw Ghro Habitat Protection Area.
Management plan
Purpose
This plan provides recommendations to the Government of Yukon, the Selkirk First Nation and the First Nation Na-Cho Nyäk Dun for the long-term management of the Ddhaw Ghro Habitat Protection Area in a manner consistent with the objectives outlined in Chapter 10, Schedule A of the Selkirk First Nation Final Agreement.
Objectives
- Conserve and protect important fish and wildlife, and fish and wildlife habitat in the area for the benefit of all Yukon people.
- Recognize and protect the use of the area by the Selkirk People and Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and to facilitate their interest in sharing the area with Little Salmon/Carmacks People and other Yukon Indigenous people.
- Provide for the management and protection of the area.
- Protect the full diversity of wildlife populations and their habitats in the area from activities which could reduce the area’s capability to support wildlife.
- Encourage public awareness of, and appreciation for, the natural resources of the area.
Status
The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, Selkirk First Nation and Government of Yukon approved the plan in 2018. Read the Ddhaw Ghro Habitat Protection Area Management Plan.