March is Women’s History Month, but let’s be real – women make history every day of the year, all around the world! For us, it is important to elevate the work of women leaders everywhere as a reminder that working toward bettering the lives of others is a daily task.
One history-making woman who knows this work well is Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, the youngest ever woman to serve as Regional Chief of the National Assembly of First Nations since January 2018. Chief Adamek was featured as a keynote speaker at the 2020 TEDWomen Conference and in early 2021, she was named one of 2021’s Top 25 Women of Influence.
As the youngest serving Yukon Regional Chief, and the youngest ever woman Regional Chief, she is a strong advocate for the empowerment of women, youth and emerging leaders in Canada and beyond. She continues to press for changes in the ways young people and the next generation are included in decision making forums.
What is the long-term impact of seeing next-generation leaders encouraged to step into their power? “Their voices bring innovative solutions to complex issues and uphold our cultural continuity. When youth are empowered, they create and lead movements for change,” Chief Adamek told us.
We can already see the way youth, and especially Indigenous youth, around the world are leading movement for action on climate change, so to have people like Chief Adamek recognize this and utilize their energy as part of her leadership strategy is something we hope to see more of.
We were fortunate to get some one-on-one time with the Yukon Region Chief herself to learn more about her passion for women’s empowerment, the environment, her First Nations community, and the change that happens when emerging youth leadership are given a seat at the table.
Since it is Women’s History Month, and March also celebrates International Women’s Day, we’d love to first learn about the women you admire in your life, and the women you grew up being inspired by!
First and foremost, I acknowledge the important women in my life. I hold up the matriarchs in our communities, the mothers, grandmothers, aunties and young women who are the pillars of strength and hope. Since becoming a mother, I can now understand their sacrifices and resiliency in a whole new light. Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by my mother, Nana, chosen Aunties and women who instilled in me a deep sense empathy, love and compassion in all things.
These women, particularly my mom (a single mother of three), taught me about perseverance, courage, and the importance of caring for the future of our community. My Mom, Nana and Grandmother always emphasized the importance of education, self-respect, and standing up for what’s right. This has stayed with me throughout my life and career.
In my teens, I began to truly understand my history and develop a deep pride in my culture. As I’ve grown older, my understanding of leadership, community, and advocacy has deepened. I continue to draw inspiration from many Yukon First Nations women leaders and Elders who guide me both personally and professionally, including Mary Jane Jim, Lorraine Netro, and the late Shirley Adamson.
There are also incredible First Nation women across the country— Autumn Peltier, Jody Wilson- Raybould, Cindy Blackstock — who tirelessly advocate for the rights and welfare of our most precious resources: the land, the water, and the next generations. These women and so many others have paved the way for all of us to stand up, be heard, and lead with courage.
Today, you are a history-maker, as the youngest ever woman to serve as Regional Chief of the National Assembly of First Nations since January 2018. What was the process of this appointment, and what did it mean to accept it?
The process of becoming Regional Chief wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t something I expected. In fact, when I received the phone call that cold day in January 2018, I was shocked. The journey was one of hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to our First Nations people in the Yukon, especially youth. I had been involved in community work and advocacy for a decade before my appointment, and my passion for having more women and young people in spaces of leadership was the driving force behind my running to be Regional Chief.
Being appointed as the youngest-ever woman to serve as an AFN Regional Chief was both an immense honor and a huge responsibility. It was also a reminder that leadership isn’t about personal achievement; it’s about the collective work for the betterment of our communities.
Accepting this role meant stepping into a space where I would be responsible for amplifying the voices and needs of diverse Yukon First Nations communities while working tirelessly to create meaningful change. It was a call to action I felt compelled to answer —and a challenge I was ready to embrace. I can only hope that I have served the region well.
For folks who aren’t familiar with what an Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief does, what is the day-to-day like for you, and what are your main responsibilities to your community, and how do you interact with the government?
As Regional Chief, my day-to-day is a balance of advocacy, representation, and collaboration. Some days, I’m in meetings with the Prime Minister, federal ministers, and my fellow Regional Chiefs. Other days, I’m reporting back to Yukon Chiefs on key files or attending school celebrations and community events that uplift our people’s successes. Every space — whether in the halls of government or at a local gathering — matters in advancing our collective future.
My role requires me to represent Yukon First Nations at the national Assembly of First Nations and engage with the federal government on issues that impact our people. At the same time, I make it a priority to be on the ground, in the Yukon, as much as I can, meeting with Chiefs and communities, listening to their concerns, and ensuring their voices are heard at the national level.
A significant part of my role is advocating for the protection of our lands, the preservation of our cultures, and the full implementation of Yukon First Nation rights — especially for women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and youth.
One of the things we admire about you is how you are working to include the voices of youth in decision-making spaces. Can you tell us more about this, and why the younger generations should be heard?
Youth are uniquely positioned to be the leaders of today, and tomorrow. When we support their growth, and create space for them lead in governance, policy development, and community leadership, decisions about our future will truly reflect the needs and interests of those next generations.
Their voices bring innovative solutions to complex issues and uphold our cultural continuity. When youth are empowered, they create and lead movements for change. They challenge outdated systems, bring fresh approaches to governance, and work to ensure that First Nation rights, environmental protections, and cultural preservation remain central to policymaking.
By investing in their leadership, we are ensuring that our nations remain strong, adaptive, and deeply rooted in our traditions and values, specifically the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and culture.
As someone passionate about the environment and combatting climate change, what are the kinds of policies and reforms you’re championing and raising awareness about?
Climate change is not just a scientific issue; it is a cultural, economic, and social issue that disproportionately impacts First Nation communities. Supporting innovative approaches like the Reconnection Vision and Action Plan, developed by Yukon First Nations youth, is central to my approach.
This plan addresses the root cause of climate change—our disconnection from ourselves, each other, and the environment—rather than just its symptoms, such as emissions and natural disasters. By reclaiming food sovereignty, promoting clean energy, and fostering holistic health practices—all rooted in our traditional values—it offers a path toward true, lasting solutions.
Our communities have always been caretakers of the land, and it is critical that our knowledge and expertise are not only acknowledged but actively incorporated into climate action plans. Strengthening our land rights and ensuring access to funding for First Nations climate initiatives are also key priorities in this fight against climate change. The right approach is always a rights-based approach.
Although we are seeing so much progress on women in leadership in many industries and spaces, there is also backlash and regression. How are you taking a stand to ensure we don’t go backward, and continue to see future generations of girls in positions like yours?
True progress means not only opening doors for future generations but also dismantling the barriers that have kept them from stepping through. First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people have always been leaders, decision-makers, and knowledge holders. Whenever I am speaking publicly, I emphasize this legacy to show that gender equity and inclusive decision-making have long been foundational in Yukon First Nation communities.
Representation matters. When young people see themselves reflected in leadership, it affirms that they, too, belong in these spaces. That’s why we at AFN Yukon launched the Regional Leadership Awards — to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our people across the Yukon. These awards reflect our commitment to honoring those who make a difference and ensuring that leadership remains inclusive and representative of our entire community.
As you look to the future, what are your biggest goals that you hope to achieve as Chief?
My primary goals include fostering youth leadership, integrating First Nation perspectives into climate action, and ensuring the safety and empowerment of First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Investing in youth leadership programs, cultural revitalization initiatives, and governance training is essential to creating sustainable change. By uplifting young leaders and ensuring they have a seat at decision-making tables, we are setting the foundation for long-term success and self-determination.
I am also deeply committed to advancing First Nation governance and self-determination, ensuring that our laws, rights, and traditions are recognized and upheld at all levels of government. Strengthening First Nation land stewardship, advocating for the implementation of climate policies that center First Nation knowledge, and pushing for the full implementation of the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+ remain critical priorities. By building on the strengths of our communities and honouring our traditions, we can create a future where all thrive.
You can follow Chief Kluane Adamek on Instagram, and learn more about the Assembly of First Nations Yukon Region on their website.
