Whitehorse, YT – Former Kwanlin Dün First Nation chief Doris Bill is the first to enter the race to lead the Yukon Liberal Party following Premier Ranj Pillai’s resignation.
Bill, who served nine years as KDFN chief and previously worked as a journalist, said she was encouraged by Yukoners over the past year to seek the leadership. She believes her life experience and leadership record set her apart.
“I carry a different perspective. I was born in Whitehorse. I was raised in permanent foster care in Inuvik. I attended residential schools,” said Bill. “I spent years trying to, like many foster children, find my identity and who I really was as an individual and what I wanted out of life.”
If successful, Bill would be the first Indigenous woman — and the first person born in Yukon — to serve as premier.
“I got a ton of messages from young women, and I know what this would mean to them,” said Bill. “I heard it this morning here at the event that a lot of people are saying, it’s about time.”
Bill said the party needs renewed energy and strong candidates heading into the next election. She emphasized her ability to work across party lines and represent all Yukoners.
The Yukon Liberal Party will select its next leader on June 19, ahead of a territorial election expected by Nov. 3.
