Statement from Premier Pillai on passing of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Elder Shirley Adamson

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:   

“My heart is heavy as I join the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Yukon community in mourning the loss of the incredible Elder and matriarch Shirley Adamson. Her passing is a profound loss to her family, community, and to all those whose lives she touched with her wisdom, kindness, and leadership. 

“Shirley was a respected leader, community member, and a life-long advocate for Indigenous language, cultural and governance revitalization. Her legacy will continue to impact and inspire generations to come. 

“She played an instrumental role in the negotiation of land claims and she was the founding Chairperson of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. She was also the Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon Vice-Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Chair of the Board of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, CEO of Northern Native Broadcasting and many other leadership roles. She was an artist, renowned storyteller, and language instructor. 

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I extend my deepest condolences to Shirley's family and friends, the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, and the broader Yukon community. We will honour her memory by continuing to work towards reconciliation and strengthening Indigenous language and cultural revitalization efforts in the Yukon."