About 83 percent of Burwash Landing's adult population (those 15 years of age and over) reported that they were involved in the formal labour market at the time of the 2001 Census. This is about the same as the rate for the Yukon overall. There is a limited money economy in the community, but those adults living in the community still work, even if in seasonal jobs. Because of the small number of residents in the community, the Census did not report on unemployment. Other information, however, points to the lack of year-round jobs.
The 2001 Census provided limited details about work characteristics for people living in Destruction Bay. The proportion of the adult population saying they were active in the labour market was high -close to 90 percent - reflecting the fact that there is work at the school and at the health centre. There is also highway maintenance work with the Yukon government.
In both communities, the number of people claiming employment insurance is too small to report.
As noted, the Burwash Landing population is too small to permit Census-based information on whether work is full-time, full year, or predominantly part-time. Some First Nations people find longer-term employment with the First Nation administration. Many others are only able to find summer jobs providing tourist services or on small local construction and maintenance projects. Some community residents have found work on the Shakwak Project (reconstruction of the Alaska Highway).
The 2001 Census reported no information on earnings for people living in Burwash Landing or Destruction Bay.
A few people reported that they were self-employed.
With so few people working in Burwash Landing and Destruction Bay, occupation information is very limited. Some work in management and administration fields with the Kluane First Nation. Others work on services for First Nations people. Some people work as teachers or nurses at Destruction Bay.
Commercial services for tourists and travelers provide work in sales, accommodation, and food service occupations, and some people find work in maintenance fields.
