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Former Kwanlin Dün chief enters Yukon Liberal leadership race

Monday, 12 May 2025 12:49

By Stuart Bonell X @BonellStuart

Doris Bill is the first candidate to announce her intention to run in the Yukon Liberal Party leadership race (Photo: S. Bonell)

Doris Bill is the first candidate to announce her intention to run in the Yukon Liberal Party leadership race. Says she will focus on crime, bail reform, substance use supports, affordable housing, and responsible mining practices.

Former Kwanlin Dün First Nation chief Doris Bill had a big announcement at a press conference on Monday.

“Today, I stand before you with some exciting news,” Bill told supporters at the MacBride Museum. “I am officially putting my name forward for the leadership of the Yukon Liberal Party.”

Bill’s announcement was met with strong support in the room.

After her official declaration that she intends to seek leadership, Bill outlined her priorities. She raised concerns about rising crime and promised to push for bail reform. She also highlighted the need for better substance use supports, more affordable housing and responsible mining practices. And she said that she would support Indigenous rights, and ensure Indigenous voices are heard.

“Listening to and learning from Indigenous perspectives – as well as those of other cultural groups – will help us build a more inclusive society where all cultures are respected and valued.”

Bill was a journalist with CBC Yukon for over twenty years before running for Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief in 2014. She remained Chief until 2022 when Chief Sean Smith was elected.

Speaking with media, Bill said that her experiences will set her apart from previous Premiers.

“I carry a different perspective,” said Bill. “We have very different backgrounds. I was born in Whitehorse. I was raised in permanent foster care in Inuvik. I attended Residential Schools. I spent years trying, like many foster children, trying to find my identity, and who I really was as an individual and what I really wanted out of life.”

Bill is the first candidate to declare her intention to seek leadership. If elected, she would be the first Yukon premier to be born in the territory and the first First Nations person to hold the role.

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