The Kaska language of the Liard First Nation is one of the Athapaskan languages. The Kaska people are closely related to the Kaska Dena of Ross River. As with other Yukon First Nations groups, the Kaska traditionally hunted and gathered on the land for their livelihood. They traveled in extended family groups throughout their traditional territory, hunting, fishing, and gathering vegetation as the seasons permitted. The Kaska were organized into a Wolf and Crow moiety system and observed the potlatch for ceremonial occasions.
Calculations generated by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in 2004 for their internal purposes estimated the registered population of the Liard First Nation, which is part of the Kaska Tribal Council, at 1009. First Nations' calculations of their population numbers may differ from Government of Canada figures and may include registered beneficiaries, non-beneficiary citizens and others. A little less than half of the First Nation membership is reported as living on First Nation land, either reserves or crown land. Many members live in the town of Watson Lake, while others live elsewhere in the Yukon or outside the Territory.
Kaska First Nations people first began experiencing contact with white fur traders as early as the 1820s and 30s. Kaska territory was also part of the route to the Klondike goldfields in 1897-98. The First Nations people of the area were the subjects of conversion to the Roman Catholic church as missionaries entered the area in the 1920s. With the building of the Alaska Highway in 1942, Watson Lake and Upper Liard became more permanent residences for the Kaska people.
The Kaska people are actively involved in cultural revival, teaching the children their history, language, and traditional practices. The First Nation supports heritage development, language classes, and elder involvement in healing programs and land-based activities. A Kaska language dictionary has been published.
The Kaska people of the Liard First Nation are working toward settlement of their land claims and self-government agreements with the federal and territorial governments. Currently not a member of the Council of Yukon First Nations, the LFN is considering rejoining the Council, and has also been involved in establishing unity with other Kaska groups in the region.
