Discussion: Regional Chief Kluane Adamek and Chief Joe Alphonse

Jun. 7, 2022 at 11:10 a.m. PDT

Yukon Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Kluane Adamek (Aagé) and Tsilhqot’in National Government chair Chief Joe Alphonse discuss sustainable growth and shared priorities between BC and Yukon, in a conversation moderated by Chris Lewis (Syetaxtn).

Regional Chief Kluane Adamek (Aagé) is a proud northerner and citizen of Kluane First Nation, welcomed into the Dakl’aweidi (Killerwhale) Clan by clan Matriarchs. She is the AFN’s lead on climate change and the environment and serves on the Net-Zero Advisory Body to the Minister of Environment and Climate. She has also served as the Co-Chair of the COVID-19 Northern and Remote Communities Working Group. She holds the Modern Treaties portfolio. Since 2009, she has worked with Yukon First Nations and local communities in the areas of education, economic development and governance serving on several boards and committees including the Yukon College Board of Governors, Kluane Dana Trust, Actua, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, and the Aboriginal Sport Circle.

Chief Joe Alphonse has been the Tribal Chairman of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) since 2010 and elected Chief of the Tl’etinqox-t’in Government since 2009. He remains the longest elected Chief in the history of Tl’etinqox-t’in. From 2000 to 2009 Chief Alphonse acted as the Director of Government and Services at the TNG. Chief Alphonse played an instrumental role in the Tŝilhqot’in Nation vs. British Columbia Aboriginal Title case. As a fluent speaker of Tŝilhqot’in, Chief Alphonse is a fifth-generation Tŝilhqot’in Chief and the direct decedent of Chief Anaham, the Grand Chief of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation during the Chilcotin War of 1864.

Chris Lewis (Syeta’xtn) has been a long-time member of the Squamish Nation Chiefs and Council and is one of two Spokespersons for the Nation. Chris is honoured to have been a member of the Board of the N’chakay Development Corporation, MST Employment and Training Society, and the Coho Society of the North Shore. Previously, Chris was a founding Board member of the MST Development Corporation and just completed a six-year term as member of the Simon Fraser University Board of Governors. Chris was recognized by Vancouver Magazine on their “Power 50” list in November 2020 for his leadership and influence. Prior to political leadership at Squamish Nation, Chris also worked for many years at the national and provincial level for the BC Assembly of First Nations focusing on First Nations advocacy and policy.

Subtitles available in: English

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