Statement from Premier Pillai on the passing of former Dän nätthe äda (Chief) Bob Charlie

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“It is with deep sadness that I join Yukoners in honouring the memory of respected former Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Dän nätthe äda (Chief) Bob Charlie. Mr. Charlie lived a rich life filled with humour, music and community.

“He started his career as a broadcaster/journalist working for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as well as for Northern Native Broadcasting and CHON-FM. While working for Council for Yukon First Nations, he used his audio recording skills to document and preserve local First Nation languages.

“In 1998, he was elected as Dän nätthe äda. During his term, the ancient remains of Kwädąy Dän Ts’ìnchį (Long Ago Person Found) were found in a glacier in the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. Dän nätthe äda Charlie reached an agreement with the BC government on how to jointly manage the remains and associated artifacts in a culturally respectful way. Key to the agreement was that Kwädąy Dän Ts’ìnchį be returned home for a proper burial.

“Mr. Charlie was known for his great sense of humour and storytelling. His legendary smooth voice and guitar-playing entertained many through the decades as he performed in bands like The De-Mands who rocked the Skookum Jim Hall in the 1980s to the more recent Klukshu Flats Boogie Band who were featured at local festivals.

“Mr. Charlie touched many lives and deeply cared for his People and community. On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I extend the Yukon’s heartfelt condolences to Mr. Charlie’s family and friends and the community of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.”