FAMILY DIVISION
Court File Number: 2026-YT-ADOPT-001
INTERDEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP PARTNER (CO-SIGNER) AGREEMENT
Form YT-ADOPT-COS
PARTIES
APPLICANT: Yukon Territory Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
CO-SIGNER: Northwest Territories Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
RECITALS
WHEREAS:
A. Yukon Territory has applied to adopt the State of Alaska into the Canadian federation (Court File 2026-YT-ADOPT-001);
B. The Territorial Court of Yukon recommends that applicants seeking adoption have a Co-Signer to demonstrate community support and provide additional assurance;
C. The Northwest Territories is Yukon's neighboring territory and sibling jurisdiction in Canada's North;
D. NWT and Yukon share common interests, challenges, and commitment to northern self-determination;
E. NWT has reviewed Yukon's application and supporting documentation;
F. NWT believes Yukon is suitable to adopt Alaska and that such adoption would benefit the Canadian North;
G. Yukon has requested NWT to serve as Co-Signer;
NOW THEREFORE the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1: NWT'S CO-SIGNATURE
1.1 Agreement to Co-Sign
The Northwest Territories agrees to serve as Interdependent Relationship Partner (Co-Signer) for Yukon Territory's application to adopt the State of Alaska.
1.2 Meaning of Co-Signature
By co-signing, NWT indicates:
(a) NWT supports Yukon's application and believes Yukon is suitable to adopt Alaska;
(b) NWT will provide reasonable assistance to Yukon during the adoption process;
(c) NWT endorses the principle of northern reunification that underlies this application;
(d) NWT believes this adoption would benefit the Canadian North as a whole.
1.3 Limitations of Co-Signature
The co-signature does not mean:
(a) NWT guarantees the success of the adoption;
(b) NWT assumes financial responsibility for transition costs;
(c) NWT assumes governance responsibility for Alaska;
(d) NWT is liable for any failure or problem in the adoption process;
(e) NWT is a party to the Placement Agreement or other adoption documents.
ARTICLE 2: NWT'S ASSESSMENT OF YUKON
2.1 Relationship with Yukon
NWT has known Yukon since 1898, when Yukon was carved from the Northwest Territories during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Despite the separation, our territories have maintained a close relationship:
- We share common challenges (remoteness, climate, small populations)
- We share common interests (northern development, Indigenous rights, federal relations)
- We cooperate on northern policy and advocacy
- We are the only two territories in Canada (along with Nunavut, created from NWT in 1999)
2.2 Yukon's Qualifications
In NWT's assessment, Yukon is qualified to adopt Alaska because:
Factor
Assessment
Governance Experience
Yukon has had responsible government since 1979 — 46 years of democratic governance
Indigenous Relations
Yukon has the most advanced Indigenous self-governance framework in Canada
Northern Understanding
Yukon lives in the North and understands northern challenges
Geographic Proximity
Yukon shares 1,210 km of border with Alaska
Cultural Compatibility
Yukon and Alaska share northern identity, Indigenous heritage, and frontier culture
Commitment
Yukon has prepared thorough documentation and demonstrates genuine commitment
2.3 NWT's Confidence
NWT is confident that:
(a) Yukon will treat Alaska and its residents with respect;
(b) Yukon will honor its commitments regarding healthcare, Indigenous rights, and the Permanent Fund;
(c) Yukon will seek to integrate Alaska carefully over an appropriate transition period;
(d) Yukon will work in good faith with all stakeholders.
ARTICLE 3: NWT'S SUPPORT
3.1 Forms of Support
NWT commits to providing the following support during the adoption process:
Support Type
Description
Endorsement
Publicly supporting Yukon's application when appropriate
Expertise Sharing
Sharing NWT's experience with territorial governance
Federal Advocacy
Supporting Yukon's requests for federal transition support
Participation
Serving as observer on the Transition Authority
Problem-Solving
Assisting with challenges that arise during transition
3.2 Limitations on Support
NWT's support is limited by:
(a) NWT's own resources and capacity;
(b) NWT's responsibilities to its own residents;
(c) NWT's own policy priorities;
(d) Decisions of NWT's Legislative Assembly.
NWT cannot commit resources beyond what is reasonable for a supporting jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 4: NWT'S INTERESTS
4.1 Why NWT Supports This Adoption
NWT supports this adoption because:
Northern Solidarity
The North should be governed by northern peoples. Alaskans, like Yukoners and NWT residents, understand what it means to live in the North. This adoption brings Alaska into a federation where northern voices have constitutional standing.
Strengthened Northern Coalition
A larger Canadian North has more political weight. Combined, Yukon-Alaska and NWT would represent nearly one million people across 2.7 million km². This coalition would have significant voice in federal relations.
Indigenous Reunification
The 1867 border divided Indigenous nations — the Gwich'in, Hän, Tlingit, and others. NWT has Gwich'in communities (Inuvik region) that would benefit from reunification with their relatives in Alaska and Yukon.
Precedent and Possibility
If Yukon can adopt Alaska, other opportunities may arise. NWT watches with interest the evolving relationship between Denmark and Greenland. Perhaps the Canadian North has a role to play in the future of the circumpolar world.
Regional Development
A stronger Yukon-Alaska would likely drive infrastructure investment — roads, ports, telecommunications — that would benefit NWT as well.
4.2 What NWT Gains
If this adoption succeeds, NWT anticipates:
- Stronger northern coalition in federal relations
- Enhanced infrastructure investment in the region
- Strengthened Indigenous governance models
- Increased northern profile nationally and internationally
- Continued partnership with a larger, stronger neighbor
4.3 What NWT Does Not Seek
NWT is not seeking:
- Territory from Alaska or Yukon
- Financial benefit from the adoption
- Governance authority over Alaska
- Any arrangement that would disadvantage NWT
This co-signature is offered in solidarity, not self-interest.
ARTICLE 5: NWT'S CONCERNS
5.1 Concerns Acknowledged
NWT acknowledges the following concerns about this adoption:
Concern
NWT's View
Scale Differential
Alaska (733K) is much larger than Yukon (45K). This is unusual but not insurmountable.
Federal Support
Federal government commitment is essential. NWT supports Yukon's request for transition funding.
Indigenous Consent
Adoption must not proceed without genuine Indigenous consent. NWT endorses Yukon's consent protocol.
Transition Challenges
Integration will be complex. The 10-15 year timeline is appropriate.
Northern Balance
If Yukon-Alaska pursues provincial status, it may alter northern dynamics. NWT will adapt.
5.2 Concerns Addressed
NWT is satisfied that Yukon has addressed these concerns through:
- Realistic planning and timeline
- Emphasis on consent processes
- Commitment to Indigenous partnership
- Request for federal support
- Phased transition approach
ARTICLE 6: TERM AND TERMINATION
6.1 Term
This Agreement shall remain in effect from the date of execution until:
(a) The adoption is completed (Final Adoption Order issued); or
(b) The adoption proceedings are terminated; or
(c) NWT withdraws by written notice (see 6.2).
6.2 Withdrawal
NWT may withdraw as Co-Signer if:
(a) Yukon materially breaches its commitments;
(b) The adoption process deviates significantly from the application;
(c) Indigenous consent is not properly obtained;
(d) NWT's Legislative Assembly directs withdrawal;
(e) Other circumstances make continued co-signature inappropriate.
NWT shall provide written notice and opportunity to address concerns before withdrawing.
ARTICLE 7: GENERAL PROVISIONS
7.1 Good Faith
Both parties shall act in good faith in implementing this Agreement.
7.2 Amendment
This Agreement may be amended by written agreement of both parties.
7.3 No Assignment
Neither party may assign rights or obligations under this Agreement.
7.4 Notices
Notices shall be delivered to:
For Yukon: Office of Intergovernmental Relations 2071 Second Avenue Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1B2
For NWT: Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs P.O. Box 1320 Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
SIGNATURES
FOR YUKON TERRITORY (Applicant):
Premier of Yukon
Print Name: ___________________________________
Date: _______________________
FOR NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (Co-Signer):
Premier of Northwest Territories
Print Name: ___________________________________
Date: _______________________
WITNESSED BY:
Witness
Print Name: ___________________________________
Date: _______________________