Photo Credits: Courtesy of Assembly of First Nations - Yukon

As the youngest woman to ever serve as Yukon Regional Chief, Chief Kluane Adamek is no stranger to breaking barriers. The work she does is centered around community and aims to support indigenous youth, empower young girls, advocate for women’s rights and climate action, help define what modern leadership looks like, and more. The creation of ‘Our Voices’, a collective dedicated to giving young indigenous leaders a space to amplify their voice, is just one way she has made her goals a reality. To learn more about Chief Kluane Adamek and what she has done for her Indigenous community and others, read on.

Where are you based?
I’m based in Whitehorse, Yukon, on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. This land, and the strength of First Nations people, grounds the work I do every day.

What inspired you to get into leadership and run for the Yukon’s Regional Chief position?
I’ve always believed in the power of community and the responsibility we have to lift each other up. I was raised by strong matriarchs who taught me that leadership is about service, about showing up for your people. In the Yukon, our Matriarchs have always been our leaders – both traditionally/historically, and today. But I didn’t see that Yukon reality reflected in other spaces. When I was making the decision to run for Regional Chief, I realized that I didn’t see enough women, and certainly not young women, being represented within this national organization. So, running for Regional Chief came from a deep desire to ensure young people, especially young Indigenous women, saw themselves reflected in leadership roles across this country, and wanting us to have a seat at every table where decisions are made.

As the youngest woman to ever serve in this position, what are some of the hardships you have had to face and how did you overcome them?
There were definitely moments where I felt underestimated or had to work harder to prove myself. Ageism and sexism still exist, especially in spaces of power. But I leaned on my values, my teachings, and my community. I have been guided by an incredible circle of women, Elders, and matriarchs – some of whom had served in this role before me – and they have supported me through this work in countless ways. I reminded myself that I was elected for a reason, and that I needed to keep showing up. I also created spaces for mentorship, dialogue, and intergenerational knowledge sharing, which helped break down barriers.

What are some barriers you have broken?
Being the youngest woman and first in this role, I had to challenge long-held assumptions about what a “leader” looks like. I’ve broken through systems that weren’t designed with Indigenous youth or women in mind, by changing not just the seat at the table, but how the table is built.

One thing I will always be proud of is the work we did to ensure that parental leave coverage and support became formalized within the AFN. I started in this role before I became a mom, and I really saw that new parents, and of course specifically women, would face major barriers if they wanted to lead this work and also have children. In 2020, through the leadership of Naa Sháade Eric Háni Morris from the Teslin Tlingit Council, we were proud to successfully move a resolution for the AFN to implement changes, including providing maternity and parental leave and providing support for families by providing child care at assemblies.

How has having a young female perspective in a leadership position helped you and others define what modern leadership looks like?
Modern leadership is rooted in collaboration, compassion, and community. I believe in leading from beside and behind community; that includes youth, women, Elders, and all those whose voices we do not hear from enough. Being young and a woman means I bring a different lens than what has been the status quo; one that values lived experience, shared decision-making, and healing-centered approaches. I want to be the kind of leader that opens up opportunities for others as well; other young and emerging leaders, women, girls, gender-diverse folks, and those whose voices have historically been silenced.

How receptive was your community to have a young female leader?
Yukon First Nations are matriarchal societies – we always have been. Women have always been the ones to direct decision making within communities whether it be economic decisions, governance decisions, community justice, and more. I’ve always been anchored in relationships and accountability, and have had plenty of women to look to for leadership and guidance. I felt supported by Yukon First Nations, and those who came before me. Of course, there were growing pains in some spaces, but my community recognized the work, the intention, and the integrity that approached this work with. I’ve been deeply grateful for their trust and support, and many Elders have told me how proud they are to see the next generation stepping into these roles. I feel a similar sense of pride when I look ahead to the next generations.

What are some ways you have pushed for young voices to be involved in decision-making and leadership?
Youth need to be more than tokenized, they need to be valued, lifted up and provided with opportunities to lead. As a society, we need to move beyond just having a single youth representative at decision-making tables, and instead move towards a broader recognition that youth hold incredible power and should be shaping the future for themselves and those generations that will come next.

As Regional Chief, I have tried to find ways to do this. We have countless youth in Yukon Region who are engaged, talented, and prepared to lead. I am so proud to see young people from across the North step into their power and use their voices to speak about what matters most to them.

What kind of change have you been able to see from your efforts?
We’ve seen a real shift: more Indigenous youth, and certainly Yukon First Nations youth, are stepping confidently into leadership roles, and conversations around gender equity and decolonization are becoming more mainstream and action-oriented. There’s a growing acknowledgment of intersectionality and the importance of Indigenous-led frameworks in addressing systemic inequities.

What’s powerful is the ripple effect. One action, one program, or one conversation often sparks another. Communities are more connected, collaborations between young people are happening more and more, and there’s a growing sense of momentum. Each step forward reinforces the importance of more Indigenous voices in shaping a more equitable and just future.

Part of your campaign involved a focus called “People, Place, and Progress.” Can you tell us about what each one means and how you’ve implemented them?
Absolutely. “People” is about our communities; uplifting youth, Elders, women, and families, and making sure everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to lead. It also means creating space for healing, intergenerational knowledge-sharing, and building stronger, more inclusive community networks. “Place” speaks to our deep connection to land, language, and culture; it’s where we’re most grounded and where we reconnect with ourselves. As a Yukon First Nation woman, place is about where I feel most connected to myself, my ancestors, and the land. “Progress” is about systems change, and challenging colonial structures and building new paths forward where values lead. It means transforming governance, education, health, and economic systems to truly reflect and serve our communities, not just include us in name.

This focus has shaped my approach to everything from climate advocacy and education reform to building long-term, values-based partnerships.

What are some ways you have been able to support Indigenous rights throughout your time as Yukon Regional Chief?
My work is grounded in the values I was raised with; respect, responsibility, and connection to community. I’ve focused on supporting self-determination and helping to strengthen nation-to-nation relationships, both in Canada and internationally. This has meant advocating for the full implementation of UNDRIP, supporting land-based healing, and working toward greater equity in areas like health, housing, and education. It’s ongoing work, rooted in listening, learning, and standing alongside others who are committed to meaningful change.

How would you like others to support Indigenous rights?
Listen. Learn. Act. Supporting First Nations and Indigenous rights begins with leaning in, being present, and staying curious. It means taking the time to understand the history and ongoing impacts of colonization, and that there is a painful history within this country that many still need to confront. It means being open to Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Support Indigenous-led initiatives, read and share the work of Indigenous authors, and reflect on how you can challenge harmful systems in your own life and work. Reconciliation is not a buzzword, it’s a responsibility.

Climate action has been a big part of your platform. Can you tell us a bit about the work you have done to bring attention to this issue?
Climate change is a lived reality in the North. It’s not a distant threat, it’s something we see and feel every day through thawing permafrost, changing wildlife patterns, and impacts on food security and infrastructure. I’ve pushed for Indigenous leadership in climate policy because our communities are on the frontlines and have been caretakers of these lands for centuries. I’ve supported youth delegations to international climate summits, advocated for the inclusion of traditional knowledge in climate strategies, and worked to ensure that northern voices are not only heard but lead. We need to look to a rights-based approach. We need solutions that honour the land, respect Indigenous rights, and ensure future generations can thrive.

You’re also the founder of a collective called ‘Our Voices’. Can you tell us about what it is and what inspired you to start it?
‘Our Voices’ is a youth collective dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices across the North. I co-founded it to create space for storytelling, leadership, and action because I knew firsthand how powerful it is when young people feel seen, heard, and valued. It started with a simple but powerful belief: that our stories matter, and that they can drive meaningful change not just within our communities, but across the country and the world.

The North has always been home to incredible strength, knowledge, and innovation, especially among our youth. But for too long, our voices were missing from decision-making spaces. ‘Our Voices’ was born out of the desire to shift that, to create a platform where young Indigenous leaders could share their truths, celebrate their cultures, and advocate for the future they want to build. We’ve hosted gatherings, leadership intensives, and cultural reclamation projects that connect youth to the land and to each other. We’ve taken delegations to national and international forums so that our people are represented at the highest levels. And most importantly, we’ve fostered a community of belonging, one that affirms the strength of being both rooted in our traditions and bold in our visions.

Women’s rights is a topic you often speak about on your social media. Can you tell us a bit about things you have done to advocate for women’s rights?
I’ve always believed that the rights of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people are deeply tied to the health and strength of our communities. Much of my work has focused on standing alongside others to raise awareness and push for justice in the face of the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). This is a reality that continues to cause deep pain and loss across the country, but does not get nearly enough attention. I’ve supported calls for the full implementation of the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice, and have tried to help keep this issue present in conversations, not just during awareness campaigns, but through steady, ongoing advocacy. This is life-long work and requires a lot of learning.

I’ve also spoken up about reproductive rights, body sovereignty, and equitable access to healthcare for Indigenous women, topics that aren’t always easy to bring into certain spaces, but ones that are vital to our well-being and autonomy. All of these issues are deeply connected. My approach has always been to listen, learn, and advocate in ways that honour the voices and experiences of those at the heart of these struggles.

I’ve also had the honour of working alongside a powerful network of First Nations and Indigenous women leaders from across the country. Together, we hold systems accountable, challenge colonial structures, and push for policies that reflect our true lived realities.

What has been the most rewarding part of getting to serve in your position as the youngest woman to do so yet?
One of the most rewarding parts of serving in this role, especially as the youngest woman to do so, has been the opportunity to help shift what leadership can look like for the next generation. Becoming a mother has deeply changed my perspective. Having a daughter has made the work even more personal; I see her and think about the world I want to help build – one where she feels safe, valued, and empowered to lead in her own way. It’s reminded me that this work isn’t just about policy or position - it’s about legacy, responsibility, and creating real change that lasts beyond us.

What is some advice you have for young girls who are looking to get into leadership positions?
Don’t wait for permission to lead, just start. Leadership doesn’t come with a title or a perfect moment; it begins the moment you choose to show up, speak out, and stand firm in who you are. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to be the loudest in the room. What you do need is to trust your voice, your instincts, and your ability to create change because your voice truly can change the world. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, those who challenge you with love, remind you of your strength, and reflect back the version of you that’s most aligned with your purpose. These are the people who will lift you when the path gets hard and celebrate with you when it gets bright.

What is something you’ve learned from your time serving as Yukon Regional Chief that might inspire others to get involved and have their voices heard?
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned during my time serving as Regional Chief is that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or having the most experience on paper, it’s about showing up with consistency, humility, and heart.

I’ve also learned that every action, no matter how small it seems, has the power to spark change. Whether it’s a conversation with a young person, advocating for policy shifts, or standing in solidarity during a community gathering, these moments ripple outward. Change doesn’t always happen overnight, but it builds through collective momentum. Every voice matters. And when we speak up, especially those who have historically been silenced or sidelined, we add to a chorus that is growing stronger, more vibrant, and more powerful with each passing day.

You don’t have to wait until you feel “ready” to get involved. If you care, if you want better, and if you’re willing to work for it, then you’re already a leader in your own right.

What can we look forward to seeing from you next?
I’m always dreaming and building. I’ll continue advocating for Indigenous rights, expanding work on climate justice, and mentoring the next generation. I don’t know exactly what comes next, but I will always be looking for ways to show up for my community, for Yukon First Nations, our youth, women, and the next generations.

It has been a rough few years, and we expect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
By remembering where I come from. Our ancestors endured so much and we are their dreams. I also take time to be in nature, with family, and to remind myself of the joy in small victories. We are resilient.

What is your motto in life?
Leadership is not about a title; it is about showing up as you are.

To learn more about Chief Kluane Adamek, please check out the links below:
https://kluaneadamek.ca/
Instagram: @kluaneadamek

Chief Kluane Adamek is Breaking Barriers with Modern Leadership