Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the passing of Hereditary Chief Glenn Grady

Premier of the Yukon Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:

“The loss of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Hereditary Chief Glenn Richard Grady (Keish) is deeply felt.

“Glenn was an essential member of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and had a profound influence on his community. He was a driving force in re-establishing Ta’an Kwäch’än Council as a distinct First Nation, working tirelessly from the time they held their first meeting on February 14,1987.

“He carried on the work begun by his ancestor Chief Jim Boss who was himself a significant leader of his time and sought mitigation on behalf of his people from the impacts of the Klondike Gold Rush.  

“On January 31, 2002, marking the 100th anniversary of Chief Jim Boss sending a letter to the Government of Canada demanding compensation for lost land and impacts on wildlife, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council signed their land claim agreement. This was a significant accomplishment for Glenn who spent much of his time on the land at Lake Laberge in the heart of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Traditional Territory.

“Glenn made a point of sharing his knowledge with young people and his family and his contributions will be felt for many generations to come.

"On behalf of Yukoners, we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all those who are affected by his loss.”