Through this virtual consulate, we look forward to extending our dialogue with the people of the Yukon Territory and with others interested in learning more about the Yukon. This site aims to assist the people of the Yukon in accessing relevant information about the United States and to assist Americans interested in finding out more about the Yukon.

News & Events

14 May 08
U.S. adds Polar Bears to List of Threatened Species
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today announced that he is accepting the recommendation of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall to list the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The listing is based on the best available science, which shows that loss of sea ice threatens and will likely continue to threaten polar bear habitat. This loss of habitat puts polar bears at risk of becoming endangered in the foreseeable future, the standard established by the ESA for designating a threatened species. [More].
The proposed ESA special 4(d) rule is available at - http://www.doi.gov/issues/polar_bears.html - for a 60 day public comment period.

08 May 08
Minister Baird and Secretary Kempthorne Hold Bilateral Meeting
OTTAWA — Canada's Minister of the Environment, John Baird, held a bilateral meeting earlier today with U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne. The Minister and Secretary were also joined by the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Mary Simon, as well as a number of officials from both countries.

"Today's bilateral meeting included a number of cross-border issues, including the recent announcement by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) on the status of the polar bear, and other important issues that cross the 49th parallel," said Minister Baird. [More].

Museums Documenting Indigenous Experience On January 30, Dr. Ramiro Matos, Curator for Latin America at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian discussed how museums document the experiences of indigenous peoples. The webcast transcript will be available soon.

9 January 08
Cross-border shoppers are likely to see a new US$5 bill when the bank note starts circulating March 13.The bill will have a new purple tint around President Abraham Lincoln. A big numeral “5” is on the back, not so much a counterfeiting deterrent as an aide for the visually impaired.The many new security features being added to the $5 bill are fully described on the U.S. Department of the Treasury website.

Gregory Almaraz, Resident Agent in Charge of the Secret Service office at U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver, says he and his staff are available to brief merchant and banking groups on the new currency and how to detect counterfeit US currency. Please direct any inquiries to pavancouver@state.gov.