About Kluane Adamek - Aagé

Kluane Adamek – Aagé (she/her), is a proud citizen of Kluane First Nation and has served as the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Yukon Regional Chief since 2018. She deeply appreciates and respects the Matriarchs who welcomed her into the Dakl’aweidi Clan. Her Grandmother, the late Ch’aalį umą̀, always reminded her to be proud of who she is, and where she comes from; her Southern Tutchone, Tlingit, and non-Indigenous ancestry, post-secondary education and her lived experiences. From a young age, her Grandfather taught her to be consistent, stay focused and to never compromise integrity. These teachings have given Kluane the unique ability to walk in what her Grandma described as ‘both worlds’, and to lead with humility and courage.

Professional Experience

Kluane has professional experience in the public, private and NGO sectors including the AFN – Office of the National Chief. She has served on various national and regional boards and committees and most recently served as a Trustee – Kluane Däna Trust.

Academics & Educational Pursuits

She is functionally bilingual in English and French and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University and a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University. Most recently, she obtained a Certificate in Indigenous Governance from the University of Arizona, alongside courses from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Achievements

In 2020 she was named one of the Top 25 Canadian Women of Influence in recognition of her contributions to the next generation of women in leadership and climate action. She is passionate about supporting youth and led the founding of ‘Our Voices,’ a Northern Indigenous Emerging Leaders Collective. Leading from her values is incredibly important to her, and she is described as a driven, strategic, and diplomatic leader who builds strong relationships and cares about people. She enjoys making connections through conversation, and recently launched a new podcast ‘Coffee with Kluane’ available on Spotify, created by CHON FM.

Serving as Regional Chief

Between 2018-2021, while serving as Regional Chief, Kluane Adamek and the AFN Yukon team have hosted nearly 20 Chiefs Summits, in addition to quarterly AFN Yukon Executive Meetings. Together, with Yukon First Nations, (YFN) she has increased the accountability, regional engagement, modernization, and relevance of the AFN Yukon Regional Office. Through enhanced communications, including social and print media, a new website and quarterly updates, the AFN Yukon Regional Office engages across the region, which has resulted in open and positive information channels between the National Office, the region and federal ministers and officials. During her tenure, the inaugural AFN Yukon Regional Leadership Awards were hosted in 2019, and honoured former National Chiefs. Additional firsts include the ‘Year of the Youth’, and Post-Secondary student recognition. As Regional Chief, Kluane Adamek has proven to be a consistent and strong voice for Yukon First Nations priorities and solutions regionally, nationally, and internationally.

people, place and progress.

Learn more about where we have come and what has been accomplished by Yukon First Nations and the AFN Yukon Regional Office, and the vision for 2021-2024.