Ya’ thi Néné works on behalf of the Athabasca Basin communities to protect the best interests of the people and the land.

Ya' thi Néné is a non-profit organization owned by the seven Athabasca Basin communities of Hatchet Lake Denesułiné First Nation, Black Lake Denesułiné First Nation, Fond du Lac Denesułiné First Nation and the municipalities of Stony Rapids, Uranium City, Wollaston Lake, and Camsell Portage.

Athabasca Tree line and waters — Our Mission

is to protect the lands and waters of the Athabasca Basin for the long-term benefit of its Denesułiné First Nations and Athabasca communities, guided by their knowledge, traditions, and ambitions, while being a respected partner in relations with industries, governments, and organizations who seek to develop the Athabasca Basin’s resources.

traditional territory map — We’re here to make sure *all* industry partners work with the communities of the Athabasca Basin to keep their land use in the Traditional Territory sustainable.

Ya’ thi Néné Lands and Resources was established in June of 2016 with the mandate to promote and enhance the environmental, social, economic, and cultural well-being of current and future Athabasca residents.
We work hard to collaborate with government and industry partners to protect the land and to support Basin residents through our agreements and programs.

So what do we actually do?

Land

Duty to Consult

We act as the initial point of contact for the seven Athabasca Basin communities for all developments that require a provincial or federal license, permit, regulatory process, environmental assessment or other approval within the Traditional Territory.

Land Planning and Protection

We utilize the Athabasca Land Use Plan and work to update and maintain it through Traditional Knowledge, Land Use and Occupancy Studies (TKLUO). We also support the establishment of Indigenous Protected Areas throughout the Territory.

Monitoring

We monitor the land, mining operations and regulatory environment in order to guide development activities within the Traditional Territory.

People

Training and Employment

We collaborate with regional stakeholders to identify training and employment opportunities for Basin residents.

Community Investment

We support the administration of the Athabasca Community Trust and its investment in community projects. We also administer the Ya’ thi Néné Scholarship program that awards scholarships to post-secondary students from the Basin communities.

Business Development

We encourage industry stakeholders to procure products and services from Basin owned businesses while conducting their activities in the Traditional Territory.