First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun – Welcome Home: Return to Community Procedure

Press Release

August 13, 2023

The following is information that has been compiled by the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation, and the Village of Mayo to support community members return home to Mayo.

As of August 13th at 1:30pm YT, Yukon Protective Services has rescinded the August 6, 2023 evacuation order and the Silver Trail has been reopened.

The evacuation alert remains in place. Residents should remain vigilant.

Protective Services will notify the public if anything changes.

At this time it has been deemed safe to return home.

A message from Chief Hope:

“I would like to extend once again a huge thank you to Kwanlin Dün First Nation and everyone who came out to our assistance during this time. In the coming days we’ll be sharing more gratitude to the many fire crew, organizations, and people who came out to support us. Safe travels to all of our community members and a reminder to drive safely.

Thank you Creator, for watching over us all!”

What Does Mayo Look Like?

Thanks to the dedicated work of the various fire crews, Mayo looks the same as when we left last week.

The rain and sprinklers set up have kept homes and structures safe.

The fire is still active, but the important flanks are secured. You can expect to see trees down that are a part of the fire guard. This guard also means a long-term safety benefit for the community.

Crews are still present and active in the community. This fire welcomed 15 crews from across Canada including Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and more. You can expect to see 11 crews around town as work continues over the next couple of weeks to put the fire out.

Fire Information

Upon arriving in Mayo, information and refreshments will be available at the Government House where you and your family may ask questions about the fire, the work that went in to keep Mayo safe, and what the next few weeks will look like.

Transportation

For those driving, please keep your gas receipts and take a photo of the receipt as back up. If you require further gas support, please contact McGarry Selbee, Acting Executive Director, First Nation of Na‑Cho Nyäk Dun.

If you require transportation back to Mayo, call or text McGarry Selbee at 867-383-2265.

There will be a bus scheduled for August 13th at 4:30pm at the Nàkwät’à Kų̀Potlatch House. Please reach out to indicate that you require transportation back to Mayo.

Accommodations

While you are welcome to spend one extra night after the order is rescinded in your accommodation free of charge to get you and your family ready to travel home, however it is encouraged that you return home soon as to make hotel rooms available for other communities currently under evacuation.

Arriving Together Safely

Be sure that as you return home, you’re returning with all adults, children, and pets that arrived with you in Whitehorse.

We want to remind everyone that it is likely that the Klondike Highway and Silver Trail will be busy with the traffic of evacuees returning home. We ask that you exercise patience and caution while driving so that everyone may arrive home safely.

Food

Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s Nàkwät’à Kų̀Potlatch House is still be open for meals.

Vouchers will be issued for food by YG if needed. After August 14, no more vouchers will be available.

IHT5