"For me it has come a long ways from those early beginnings... I saw the amalgamation and from there it branched out into the community. Each community wanted their own"

Over the next 11 years, 10 of the 14 Yukon First Nations ratified agreements and became self-governing nations.

During this time, when Andy Carvill was Chief, the Carcross/Tagish First Nation continued to negotiate to finalize its settlement. Over the years, the caucus of negotiators from all six clans gave their best. The last negotiating team was comprised of Art Johns, Ted Hall, Clara Schinkel, Anne Wally, Colleen James and the late Darrell Beattie. The technicians on the team were Mark Wedge, Beverly Sembsmoen and Frank James. All of these people received gold pins for their hard work and devotion.

Gunalchîsh for your courage, wisdom and guidance.

Art Johns of the Yanyedi Clan, served on the caucus team. (CTFN newsletter, September 2003)

Ted Hall of the Deisheetaan Clan served on the Carcross/Tagish First Nation caucus team. (CTFN newsletter, September 2003)

Anne Wally, of the Kookhittaan Clan, has worked for the Carcross/Tagish First Nation for many years. She was the first female Chief in the 1980s and, most recently, served on the caucus team. (CTFN newsletter, September 2003)

"Every part of those agreements were fought for. It was a very hard thing to negotiate and sit at the tables. We fought hard for every little part of it."

"I remember when Peter, Uncle Johnny, Dan and William worked all night until 4 a.m. on the Land Claims."

"Negotiations were really difficult on families, lots of families separated. Negotiations were not easy and they were costly."

Patrick James, of the Daklaweidi Clan, was a former Carcross/Tagish First Nation Chief. (Marilyn Jensen, Carcross, Yukon, 2005)