TERRITORIAL COURT OF YUKON
FAMILY DIVISION
CHARACTER REFERENCES FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENT
Collected in support of Yukon's Application to Adopt Alaska
REFERENCE #1: NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Relationship: Sibling Territory, Former Single Entity, Co-Signer on Application
Statement:
Yukon and the Northwest Territories were once one territory. We separated in 1898, and it was the right decision for both of us—we had different needs, different paths. But we've remained close. We understand each other in ways the provinces never will.
Yukon is ready for this. We've watched them build something remarkable over 127 years:
- Self-government agreements that actually work
- A stable, functional democracy
- Infrastructure that survives the North
- A community that takes care of each other
Yes, Alaska is bigger. Much bigger. But Yukon has something Alaska needs: a model for how to thrive in the North without being ignored by a distant southern capital. Washington doesn't understand Alaska. Ottawa barely understands us. But Whitehorse? Whitehorse gets it.
We support this adoption. We'll be right here if Yukon needs us.
Signed,
Northwest Territories
"Spectacular by Nature"
P.S.—Nunavut sends regards. They're watching with interest. If this works, there may be conversations about Greenland. (That's a joke. Mostly.)
REFERENCE #2: PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Relationship: Southern Neighbour, The Province Everyone Drives Through to Get Here
Statement:
British Columbia is pleased to provide this reference for Yukon.
We'll admit, when we first heard a territory was trying to adopt a state—and not just any state, but the largest state—we were skeptical. Who does Yukon think they are?
Then we remembered: We're trying to adopt Oregon and Hawaii simultaneously. We're not in a position to judge ambition.
Yukon is small but competent. They manage the Alaska Highway, which is our main land route to the north. They do it well. They don't complain (much). Their capital functions, their people are resilient, and they have more self-government agreements with Indigenous nations than anywhere else in Canada.
Can they handle Alaska? Honestly? We think so. Size doesn't determine capability. If it did, Ontario would be competent, and... well, let's not go there.
We support Yukon's application. Welcome to the "provinces adopting things much larger than themselves" club.
Signed,
Province of British Columbia
"The Best Place on Earth" (still)
REFERENCE #3: COUNCIL OF YUKON FIRST NATIONS
Relationship: Self-Governing Partners, Treaty Nations, The Ones Who Were Here First
Statement:
The Council of Yukon First Nations offers this statement regarding Yukon's application to adopt Alaska.
Our nations—Kwanlin Dün, Ta'an Kwäch'än, Champagne and Aishihik, Kluane, White River, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, Selkirk, Little Salmon/Carmacks, Teslin Tlingit, Carcross/Tagish, and others—have negotiated self-government agreements with Yukon and Canada. These agreements are not perfect, but they represent something real: recognition of our sovereignty, our rights, our place in governance.
Why does this matter for Alaska?
Because Alaska has our relatives. The Gwich'in nation is split by the border. Tlingit and Tagish territories cross the line. Athabascan peoples on both sides have been separated by an arbitrary boundary drawn by distant governments.
This adoption could heal that division. Not by erasing differences, but by creating a governance structure that respects Indigenous sovereignty on both sides.
We have concerns—Alaska Native land claims are different from ours, ANCSA is complicated, there's much to negotiate. But we believe Yukon's model offers something Alaska Native peoples deserve: partnership rather than paternalism.
We support this application, with the expectation that Indigenous peoples will be central to all decisions affecting our lands and futures.
Signed,
Council of Yukon First Nations
On behalf of the eleven Self-Governing First Nations and those still in negotiation
REFERENCE #4: STATE OF WASHINGTON
Relationship: American State, Still Waiting for BC to Call, Has Opinions
Statement:
Washington has been asked to comment on Yukon's proposal to adopt Alaska.
First: A territory is adopting a state? A Canadian territory adopting an American state? A territory with 45,000 people adopting a state with 730,000?
...You know what? We respect it.
Washington has been over here waiting for BC to adopt us, and they keep skipping us for Oregon and Hawaii. Meanwhile, Yukon—Yukon!—is out here making moves. Bold moves. Audacious moves.
We don't know much about Yukon, honestly. We know they're up there. We know they have the Yukon Quest. We know Whitehorse exists. That's about it.
But Alaska seems into it, and if Alaska—Alaska, the state that once considered independence—is willing to join a territory half the size of Anchorage... maybe Yukon knows something we don't.
We support this, mostly because it would be awkward not to. Also because it might make BC jealous, and we're petty like that right now.
Signed,
State of Washington
Still available for adoption, BC. Just saying.
REFERENCE #5: PROVINCE OF ALBERTA
Relationship: Southern Neighbour, The Province That Thinks About Alaska's Oil
Statement:
Alberta provides this reference for Yukon.
Let's be clear about why we're interested: Alaska has oil. A lot of oil. Prudhoe Bay, the North Slope, billions of barrels. If Alaska joins Canada through Yukon, that oil is suddenly Canadian oil. That's interesting to Alberta.
But beyond the oil: Yukon is solid. Small, but solid. They've governed responsibly. They don't make a fuss. They handle their business.
Can they handle Alaska? Here's the thing—Alaska is basically Yukon but bigger and with more resources. Same climate, same challenges, same people (more or less). If Yukon can manage Yukon, they can manage more Yukon. That's essentially what Alaska is. More Yukon.
We support this adoption. We also have questions about pipeline integration, but those can wait.
Signed,
Province of Alberta
Wild Rose Country (with an eye on the North Slope)