Kluane Adamek Aagé

Kluane Adamek is a citizen of the Kluane First Nation. She was appointed Assembly of First Nations interim regional chief for the Yukon in 2018 and, after six months, was elected to a three-year term. Mary Jane Jim and Shirley Adamson previously served in this role. Adamek has the national portfolio for climate change as well as the portfolio for youth and modern treaties. In 2020 she hosted the first regional First Nation climate gathering “Shared Heart”, focused on connecting youth and elders in advocacy, and the Assembly of First Nations’ inaugural National Climate Gathering. In March 2021 she launched a Climate Action Fellowship in partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Youth Climate lab. This is a 20-month program for First Nation citizens 18 to 30. She hoped this program would drive tangible change. As part of her role, she answered questions about climate change and led open discussions in the schools. Kluane Adamek was named one of Canada’s top twenty-five most influential women for 2021. She was noted as a champion for emerging leaders and hoped the award would inspire other Indigenous women. ¹⁾ Adamek was acclaimed for a second term as AFN Yukon regional chief in 2021. ²⁾