Who We Are

The Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission is a tribal consortium representing member Tribal Governments and First Nations united in protecting the health and wellbeing of our tribal members, our future generations, and all Alaskans and Canadians who rely upon the health of the Yukon River and the fish. The Commission consists of current Commissioners from each authorizing member Tribal Government and First Nation. The Commission ten member YRITFC Executive Council, representing different geographic units in the watershed, guides the operations of the Commission.

Territories & Tribes
Executive Council
Commissioners

Background

To collectively address drastically declining Yukon River salmon runs, Yukon River Tribes came together in St. Mary’s in 2014 to form the YRITFC and immediately act in unity to self-impose a king salmon fishing moratorium. The Tribes’ sacrifice helped the U.S. meet their escapement goal to Canada for the first time in years. After a decade-long incubation as a program of Tanana Chiefs Conference, the YRITFC has been birthed as a stand alone 501c3 organization on March 4, 2025 and has grown to 45 member Tribal Governments and seated Commissioners by Tribal Resolution.

“We, the sovereign Tribes of Alaska and First Nations of Canada along the Yukon River watershed, proclaim that our fisheries are essential to our cultural, nutritional, economic and spiritual well being and way of life. We recognize our responsibility and authority to exercise our sovereign tribal rights as stewards to our traditional territories and resources. Since time immemorial, we have respectfully cared for the fish of the Yukon River watershed based on distinct customary and traditional Indigenous knowledge and practices. We are committed, to continue sustainable stewardship in perpetuity. Founded on tribal unity, we form the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission for the health and wellbeing of our tribal members, our future generations, and all Alaskans and Canadians who rely upon the health of the fish.”

- YUKON RIVER INTER-TRIBAL FISH COMMISSION CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

Purpose

  • Act with a unified voice for the conservation and restoration of all Yukon River fisheries to protect our traditional way of life and well-being.  

  • Establish a comprehensive management plan and program, based upon distinct customary and traditional Indigenous knowledge and practices.

  • Establish co-management plan(s) to ensure meaningful and substantive Tribal/First Nation participation in all aspects of fish stewardship.

Powers

  • Actively advocate for agreed upon Commission positions.  

  • Adopt plans, policies, procedures and resolutions by consensus.

  • Seek, accept, and expend funding.