The Kwanlin Dun First Nation, based in the McIntyre subdivision of Whitehorse, has cultural affiliations with the Northern and Southern Tutchone as well as with the Tagish from Marsh Lake but is also an amalgamation of many Yukon First Nation culture groups. In 2004 the registered population as reported by the Kwanlin Dun First Nation was 949. In 2004 the Ta'an Kwach'an Council reported a population of 432 registered members.
The Ta'an Kwach'an Council, who separated from the Kwanlin Dun First Nation in September of 1998, are affiliated with the Southern Tutchone Tribal Council and has members who are Southern Tutchone and Tagish. The traditional territory of the Ta'an is located around the Lake Laberge area. The Ta'an Kwach'an Council signed their land claims and self-government agreements on January 13, 2002. The agreements came into effect in April 2002. Negotiators for Canada, Yukon and the Kwanlin Dun First Nation have completed negotiations of land claims and self-government agreements and these agreements will be put to a ratification vote in the fall of 2004.
The First Nations people of the Whitehorse region enjoyed a nomadic way of life and traveled extensively throughout the area following big game, fishing, and trapping. Archaeological evidence at Canyon City shows that First Nation people have occupied that area for thousands of years. Many Kwanlin Dun and Ta'an Kwach'an First Nations people worked for the steamboats that navigated the Yukon River up to Dawson City. Some were woodcutters, and others worked on board. Frank Slim, from the Ta'an, was a captain of one of the steamers. The two First Nations in the area of what is now Whitehorse were grouped together as the Whitehorse Indian Band, which was located in the Industrial area of Whitehorse. They later moved to the McIntyre subdivision.
The Kwanlin Dun First Nation are currently negotiating their land claims and self-government agreements with the federal and territorial governments. Their Final Agreement will follow the format of the Umbrella Final Agreement, but with specific provisions that are unique to them.
Kwanlin Dun today strives towards unification as a prerequisite to progress in other areas. They also face unique issues stemming from their presence in an urban centre rather than a smaller community. Kwanlin Dun First Nation plays a vital role in traditional justice systems adapted to modern ways, such as circle sentencing. The First Nation is busy with cultural events related to children. Elders are teaching them about ways of the past and how to survive on the land.
Chief Jim Boss, the traditional chief of Ta'an Kwach'an, recognized shortly after the Gold Rush that his people needed protection for their land and culture. He was prompted to write a letter to Ottawa stating that his people should be given some compensation. The outcome was that a small amount of "land set aside" or a reserve was established for the Ta'an and the case was considered closed. Today the Ta'an Kwach'an Council is striving to preserve their culture and language and also pursue activities that assist in this process. The Ta'an Kwach'an Council has established the Mundessa Development Corporation, which is responsible for the commercial activities of the First Nation. In the past the Ta'an Kwach'an was governed by a hereditary male leader from the Wolf moiety. The First Nation has changed to a democratic voting system and elected its first chief, a woman, in 2004.
