Yukon

To Whom It May Concern:

The Northwest Territories is pleased to serve as Co-Signer for Yukon's application to adopt Alaska.

Yukon is our neighbor and our sibling. We were one territory until 1898. We share the same sky, the same cold, the same challenges of governing vast northern lands with small populations.

We believe Yukon is ready for this responsibility. Their Indigenous governance record is the best in Canada. Their commitment to Alaska is genuine. Their preparation is thorough.

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);

CERTIFICATE OF LIVE STATEHOOD

STATE FILE NUMBER: USA-STATE-49

This is to certify that:

Yukon Territory — Application to Adopt the State of Alaska

We've discussed the dream. Now let's discuss the legal reality.

(Spoiler: It's complicated.)

Current Legal Status:

Yukon:

• Canadian territory (not province)
• Powers devolved from federal government
• Yukon Act governs relationship with Ottawa
• Less autonomy than provinces
• Population: ~45,000

Alaska:

The Iditarod — 1,000+ miles from Anchorage to Nome — is Alaska's most famous sporting event. Mushers and dog teams racing through the wilderness, commemorating the 1925 serum run that saved Nome from diphtheria.

Yukon has the Yukon Quest — 1,000 miles from Whitehorse to Fairbanks (or reverse). Less famous but equally grueling.

Two great races. One border between them.

The Iditarod:

The Arctic is strategic. Both the US and Canada (through NORAD) maintain military infrastructure across Yukon and Alaska.

Any change in political status has defense implications.

Current Military Presence:

Alaska (US):

On March 30, 1867, the Russian Empire sold Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million — about 2 cents per acre.

They didn't ask us.

They didn't ask the Indigenous peoples who actually lived there.

They just... sold it.

We've had 157 years to think about what might have been.

The Historical Context:

Why Russia Sold:

Alaska's healthcare system is American. This means:

• High costs
• Insurance gaps
• Medical bankruptcy is possible
• Medevac bills can be devastating

Yukon's healthcare system is Canadian. This means:

• Universal coverage
• No medical bankruptcy
• Significant challenges with access (it's still remote)
• But: the basics are covered

Alaska's Healthcare Reality:

The Good:

Between Alaska and Russia lies the Bering Strait — 82 km of water. On a clear day, you can see across. The Diomede Islands sit in the middle, one American, one Russian, 3.8 km apart.

People have dreamed of bridging or tunneling this gap for over a century.

It has never happened. It probably never will.

But let's dream anyway.

The History: