The story of Äshèyi (Aishihik) is reflected in the lands and waters and the relationships Dän (Southern Tutchone People; Our People) have with all of that which sustains them. Dän have an obligation to the land, waters and animals that must demonstrate respect and care for them so that they will continue to provide. These values define who Dän are as a people, and reflect social, cultural and spiritual health and their heritage. They view Dakéyi (Our country) as alive with stories and memories that are intrinsically linked with Dän. These beliefs continue to this day and through the construction and operation of the AGS.
Operation of the AGS has been ongoing since 1975. The AGS is located about 110 km northwest of Whitehorse in the Äshèyi (Aishihik) watershed within the Traditional Territory of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.
Water Use Licence HY22-016 (the Existing Licence) (Appendix 9), issued to YEC by the Yukon Water Board (YWB) December 21, 2022, renews the existing authorization for the AGS for a period of 5 years (expiring December 31, 2027). The Existing Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Fisheries Act Authorization (FAA) for the AGS has been extended to May 2025. YEC is currently in a process with DFO for a new FAA beyond this extension date.
The purpose of this RFP is to engage a suitably qualified independent consulting team to undertake the scope of work. The POG’s preference is to engage one firm to oversee the supply all services. This could be a prime consultant supported by one or more subconsultants as the MAMP has monitoring programs related to the biophysical, physical, and socio-economic environments and requires a diverse array of skills and knowledge.
In addition, CAFN’s preference is to engage an independent consulting team that has the strong ability and past experiences working with Yukon First Nation knowledge, community inclusion, and community-based monitoring. Aspect of the services need to respect and use CAFN traditional decision-making processes and apply Dӓn K’e (Our Way). Through this RFP we seek a collaborative team that will provide expertise and leadership in assessing and developing the monitoring program consistent with multiple perspective from all parties.
The successful Consultant is expected to have experience working with First Nation governments in environmental monitoring, as well as project/activity assessment and permitting processes, particularly related to hydro-electric development. The Consultant is expected to demonstrate having assembled a team with specialized knowledge and experience in each of the technical disciplines relevant to supporting the Parties in implementing the MAMP. This includes working directly and appropriately with knowledge holders to undertake and inform monitoring.
