Smith was the former Chief of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation, signed their Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements.
Yukon First Nations are in mourning, following the passing of former Kwanlin Dun First Nation Chief and current Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Mike Smith. Smith was the signatory to the Kwanlin Dun Land Claims and was a respected lawyer. Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Chief and Mike Smith’s brother Steve Smith announced the passing.
“Mike was a great leader who shared the vision of the many leaders he worked with in trying to build a better future for his people. Mike was there at the start of the land claim of Yukon First Nations people and was a signatory as Chief of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation Land Claim and Self-Government Agreement. Right up until the end he continued to fight for these rights as Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief for the Yukon.”
Mike Smith was the past Chair of the Council of Yukon Indians, now Council of Yukon First Nations. The AFN issued a statement. “It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the loss of Shakuni – AFN Yukon Regional Chief Mike Smith,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “This is a loss to the AFN, the Yukon territory and First Nations across the country. Regional Chief Smith was a dedicated and diligent member of the AFN Executive Committee who ensured the priorities of Yukon First Nations were represented at the national level. Regional Chief Smith was a sharp legal mind and a strong advocate for First Nations rights and First Nations jurisdiction. I will miss his contributions, insight, and leadership. My heart goes out to his family and community. We have lost a man who always fought for the goals and interests of his people.”
Premier Sandy Silver took spoke about Mike Smith’s death. “It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Regional Chief Mike Smith. On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I send heartfelt condolences to his friends, family and community. Regional Chief Smith leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having contributed nearly four decades of knowledge and leadership to the territory.”
The Nàkwät’à Kų̀ Potlatch House in McIntyre is open all weekend for the community and family of former chief Mike Smith to gather. The Kwanlin Dun First Nation has cancelled its General Assembly planned for this weekend, put will dedicated a community feast to Mike Smith. That event take place at 5PM at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, where people can offer words and prayers.
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