Statement from Premier Pillai on the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council election

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I offer congratulations to Ruth Massie on her election as Chief and to Michelle Telep on her election as Deputy Chief for the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.

“Chief Massie previously served as Chief of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council as well as two terms as Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations and most recently served as Chair of her First Nation’s Elders Council.

“Chief Massie assisted in land claims and self-government negotiations, served as the General Manager of Mundessa, Ta’an Kwäch’än’s Development Corporation and made history as the first woman elected Chief of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.

“I want to thank outgoing Chief Amanda Leas for her dedication and service to her People. During her term, Chief Leas oversaw various important initiatives in partnership with the Government of Yukon and other governments. This includes signing Memorandums of Understanding to establish an official protected area boundary and governance model for Chasàn Chuà/McIntyre Creek. She also welcomed the creation of the First Nations School Board as Co-Chair of the Chiefs Committee on Education, overseeing the implementation of the calls to action from Together Today for our Children Tomorrow.

“The Government of Yukon values our government-to-government relationship with the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. I look forward to our continued collaboration with Chief Massie and Deputy Chief Telep.”