Statement from Premier Silver on the passing of Carcross/Tagish First Nation Elder Doris McLean

Doris McLean in her capacity as Sergeant-at-Arms in the Yukon Legislative Assembly, 2005.

Premier Sandy Silver released the following statement today:

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Carcross/Tagish First Nation Elder Doris McLean. On behalf of my colleagues and the Government of Yukon, I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends and community. She leaves behind an extraordinary and varied legacy.

Ms. McLean was a member of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation from the Dakl’aweidi (killer whale) clan, and was a passionate advocate for the preservation of Tagish language and gifted story-teller who travelled the world to share her stories. She served as her First Nation’s chief from 1988 to 1992 and during her tenure she worked on the development of the Umbrella Final Agreement, finalized in 1993, which set the stage for land claims and self-government in Yukon.

Later, she was an active volunteer with many groups including the RCMP Citizens on Patrol, the 2000 Arctic Winter Games and the Yukon International Storytelling Festival. Ms. McLean was also the Yukon Legislative Assembly’s first Canadian Indigenous woman Sergeant-at-Arms, where she served with dignity and was well-liked and respected by all who worked with her.

Ms. McLean’s dedication to community, culture and history has left a profound impact on all who came in contact with her. Her absence is keenly felt and her legacy and influence in Yukon will continue for generations to come.”

Media contact 

Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca

News release #: 
18-011