With wildfire season around the corner, the Carcross-Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) is announcing a new approach to wildland fire management, in partnership with the Yukon government.

Last month, the C/TFN signed a memorandum of understanding with the government allowing the territory to administer the C/TFN’s initial attack fire crew contract.

As part of the agreement, the C/TFN will receive extra funding toward FireSmarting subdivisions within its traditional territory.

The government will handle staffing for the crew, and any C/TFN citizens chosen to work in this field will become permanent YG seasonal employees.

“We believe this decision is the best possible option for the safety of our citizens and of our traditional territory and will provide employment opportunities for citizens, leading to fulfilling careers with the territorial government,” the C/TFN said Wednesday.