The Teslin Tlingit Elders Council has taken a stance against the establishment of a liquor store in the small community.
The Teslin Tlingit Council made the announcement yesterday in a news release, adding it accepts and supports the decision.
The First Nation said it would continue to work with the Yukon government to implement the Teslin community development plan, which has identified a number of infrastructure needs such as a swimming pool and a women’s shelter.
“However, citizens and Teslin residents did not identify a liquor store as a need in the community plan,” the release states.
On April 21, NDP MLA Kate White tabled a petition from the community that was signed by 186 people asking the Yukon government to reconsider the idea.
The petition also called on the government to hold a public consultation over the issue and to consider investing in other projects that could be more beneficial to the community.
Juanita Kremer and her husband, Steve, who run the Yukon Motel and Restaurant in Teslin, circulated the petition. Their business is the only establishment that sells alcohol in the community.
Pelly-Nisutlin MLA Stacey Hassard said he’s still busy consulting Teslin residents.
About 450 people live in Teslin.