Building the future

YUKON FIRST NATIONS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (YFNCC) is the First Nations organization of business in the Yukon. Organized as a representative body of business organizations, it represents the interests of the private sector and is involved in promotion of socio economic development of Yukon through private sector led economic growth.
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PROMOTE

Promote the economic and social development of Yukon and interests of the business persons

DEVELOP

Make effective and significant contribution to the development of open market economy

BUSINESS

Recognizing the changes taking place in the global arena.

We provide a range of high quality services to help you grow your business, increase your contacts and obtain the right kind of support for your professional services.

Board & Management

Experts that help you grow your business

Tiffany Eckert-Maret

President

Delmar Washington

Vice President

Michelle Kolla

Secretary Treasurer

Andrijana (Jani) Djokic

Director

Les Wilson

Director

Jordan Peterson

Director

Staff

Your friendly YFNCC Staff.

Mellisa Murray

Executive Director

Karen Lepine

Project & Events Manager

Doris Anderson

Yukon First Nation Business Registry Manager

Tori Beemer

Operations & Outreach Officer

Events

Key events boots local economy and click to find out more!

ROUND UP 2018

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YUKON FIRST NATION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PARTNERS

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Jessie Stephen | Director

Jessie Stephen was born and raised in the Yukon and is a proud member of the White River First Nation. With a degree in Nature-Based Tourism Management and a minor in Business from the University of Northern British Columbia she has collaborated with Yukon First Nations, Yukon Government, local Corporations, and not-for-profit organizations. Jessie has work experience in community development, Indigenous language revitalization, mental health & reconciliation, youth leadership, associate producer, marketing & events, and on the land cultural and healing camps. Since, 2019 Jessie has been the proud Co-Owner and Director of Operations of Gúnta Business an award-winning Indigenous Consulting firm with many events under her belt and over eight years of political work experience as a Constituency Assistant for Honourable Larry Bagnell, M.P., and a Ministerial Advisor for Honourable Minister Jeanie McLean of Tourism and Culture, Women's Directorate, and the Yukon Workers' Compensation Health & Safety Board; Jessie comes equipped with tons of resources to ensure a smoothly run and highly attended events and community engagement.

 

Taylor Dieckmann | Membership & Operation Coordinator

Taylor is a born and raised Yukoner and is starting at the Yukon University in the Conservation and Environmental Science Program. After graduating high school Taylor, spent 5 months traveling south east Asia and a winter working in New Zealand.

 

Karen Lepine | Projects & Events Manager

Karen Lepine is a born and raised Yukoner who is of Han & Tlingit ancestry and a member of the Carcross Tagish First Nation. Karen and her husband Nelson have two adult children Blake(Erin) and Kara(Glen) and four grandchildren Adanchilla, Carter, Clarke and Salix. Prior work experience has been Director of Finance for the Council of Yukon First Nations for 9.5 years, Skookum Jim Friendship Centre for 17 years and the Yukon Indian Arts & Crafts Co-op for 5 years. Currently volunteers as the Treasurer for the Dakhka Khwaan Dancers Society, Yukon First Nation Graduation Society, Trustee for the First Nation Languages Trust and The Nelson Project. Also has past involvement with Polarettes Gymnastics Club, Dreamcatcher Yukon Society and Yukon Indigenous Games Steering Committee ( now the Yukon Aboriginal Sports Circle) as Treasurer. Prior to C/TFN's land claim settlement Karen was a representative for the Taxation Files for C/TFN wand was appointed as one of the original Trustees for the Daanaa Jili (Cache) Trust since 2006. In her spare time she beads, sews traditional regalia and goes camping with the family.

 

Tori Beemer | Operations & Outreach Officer

Tori Beemer, hailing from the vibrant city of Whitehorse, brings a unique blend of artistic creativity and operational expertise to her new role as the Membership and Operations Coordinator/Outreach Officer at the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce. Tori holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Toronto Metropolitan University, accompanied by five years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector and an extensive background in the live events industry. Tori has a deep passion for her community and looks forward to working with Yukon First Nations and local businesses

 

Doris Anderson | Yukon First Nation Business Registry Manager

I am A’Anizhia-Gus’duteen (Doris Anderson), a citizen of Ta’an Kwach’an Council. I was born and raised in the Yukon, growing up at Lake Lebarge, Whitehorse and Takhina. I have been employed in the Administrative Field over the years from Reception to Executive Director; working for the Federal/Territorial/First Nations Governments throughout Canada. These various positions offered a variety of opportunities to see Canada from the Community level, and meet so many amazing Canadians, from the East to West Coast. My work ethic comes from growing up in a household with influential Yukon First Nation Leaders who broke a trail for a modern way of doing things, for the benefit of others without losing our traditional and cultural values, an amazing trail to exemplify. I will forever grateful for their endless contributions that was done with immeasurable grace, strength, bravery, and integrity; I want to do that. This is an exciting opportunity for me to be a part of Yukon First Nations Chamber of Commerce as the Business Registry Manager, and I look forward to increasing Yukon First Nations businesses/citizens in the business field.

 

Mellisa Murray | Executive Director

Mellisa Murray is a 2nd generation Chinese Canadian and a mother of two young boys. She has called Whitehorse home for her entire life, which is on the traditional Territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from York University in Toronto, ON. Mellisa has over 15 years of experience working with non-profit organizations as a Director, Chief Administrative Officer, Project Manager and Instructor, and is heavily involved in the local arts community. She was a member of the Yukon Arts Advisory Council 4 years and formally the Region Manager for the Arctic Inspiration Prize. Mellisa has taken courses in the Indigenous Governance program at Yukon University and applies everything she’s learned to everyday life, and continues to learn and grow. She is the Executive Director for the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce and a Councillor for the City of Whitehorse. She hopes to make a positive change in her community and help advocate for Yukon First Nations.

 

Andrijana (Jani) Djokic | Director

Nacho Nyak Dun Development Corporation

Jani Djokic is the CEO for the Nacho Nyak Dun Development Corporation (NNDDC) and has been part of the team since 2017. The NNDDC team received the 2018 Arctic Indigneous Investment Conference Community Champion of the Year award, the 2019 Yukon Chamber of Mines Community Award, and is part of the First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun's and Yukon First Nations Wildfire's winning teams for the Arctic Inspiration Prize.

Business isn't where Jani thought she would end up, however, being able to apply her unique background in International Indigenous Law, Political Science, and Community and Land Use Planning, she has found her passion in working for and with Indigenous communities in the realm of economic development. She has had the opportunity to study and work with Saami lawyers who leaders in drafting UNDRIP and ILO 169, to work in Guatemala with Mayan cacao producers reclaiming traditional economies, and is now honoured to be working alongside the First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun on projects and investments within and outside their Traditional Territory. She continues to apply her unique skill set to help bridge business, law and policy, and grassroots initiatives to create self-sustaining business opportunities in mining and exploration, environmental remediation and restoration, energy, tourism, community infrastructure, and aviation, as well as being heavily involved in larger-scale initiatives such as the creation of Yukon Government's First Nations Procurement Policy.

 

Les Wilson | Director

Les was born and raised in Whitehorse Yukon and calls it home with his wife and two kids.

He studied science and engineering technology in Alberta and is currently working for the Kwanlin Dun Group of Companies focused on the economic development potential of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation’s real estate holdings in the City of Whitehorse.

With over 20 years’ experience working with Self-Governing Yukon First Nations and most recently as an Economic Development Advisor, he seeks to foster positive cooperative, collaborative relationships, and build on local resources and capacities. He loves to spend time with his family, woodworking and cooking.

 

Jordan Peterson | Director

Jordan Peterson, Gwich’in from Aklavik, NT, is a formidable advocate for Indigenous rights in Canada, melding sharp political insight with technical prowess. His advocacy journey commenced as the youngest elected Deputy Grand Chief and Chief Negotiator of the Gwich'in Tribal Council from 2016 to 2020, where he tirelessly worked towards self-determination for the Gwich'in people and fostering a renewed relationship with Canada.

Shifting his focus, Jordan embarked on collaborative ventures with numerous Indigenous governments, orchestrating the execution of Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements across a spectrum of communities. These endeavours were geared towards cultivating a harmonious and autonomous horizon for these Indigenous Nations, laying a solid foundation for self-determination and sustainable growth. His extensive engagements span Indigenous Nations in the North and throughout Canada, covering a broad spectrum including self-government negotiations, governance structures, intergovernmental relations, economic development initiatives, and transboundary affairs. Through these collaborative efforts, Jordan has played a significant role in advancing the interests and preserving the heritage of Indigenous communities, fostering a legacy of empowerment and progressive governance.

On the global stage, Jordan served as a Senior Arctic Official for the Gwich’in Council International (GCI) at the Arctic Council Executive and co-chaired GCI from 2016 to 2020. His tenure amplified Indigenous voices on the circumpolar stage, championing pivotal projects that have resonated throughout the circumpolar world.

In 2020, Jordan founded Affinity North, an Indigenous-owned consultancy. As the Owner, his transformative vision has steered businesses, governmental bodies, and Indigenous groups towards a future marked by respect for Indigenous rights and fortified relationships.

A pinnacle of Jordan’s advocacy came with leading the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement Treaty Modernization Team, earning the esteemed 2019-2020 NWT Premier’s Award for Excellence. This honour underscored the innovative approach of his team in modernizing treaty rights in Canada.

With an enriching educational background, including an Executive MBA candidacy in Indigenous Business Leadership from Simon Fraser University, Jordan Peterson’s narrative is a testament to his deep-seated commitment to Indigenous advocacy. His body of work, punctuated by progressive roles and invaluable contributions, positions him as a robust champion for the rights and interests of Canada's First Peoples.

 

Michelle Kolla | President

Michelle Kolla is a lifelong Yukoner, Member of the Selkirk First Nation and great granddaughter of the late Ira and Eliza VanBibber. Michelle and her husband Rob raised their two sons Justin and Ryan Kolla living a northern life style that included spending time traveling throughout the Yukon. Together they own and operate Snap on Tools and Porter Creek Self Storage.

She has worked with non-profits for 15 years including the Skook um Jim Friendship Centre and Council of Yukon First Nations as their Executive Director. During her time with the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre, the centre created an after-school tutoring program, established the Youth Emergency Shelter and the Youth Employment Centre.

In the past she has worked in procurement with the Federal and Territorial Governments working closely with the local business community and government departments. She is a past Board member of Yukon Workers Compensation Board, National Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Director/General Manager of Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon, Director of Television Northern Canada and a founding Director of APTN.

Michelle volunteered with local youth sports groups including Whitehorse Minor Hockey and coaching soccer. Currently she is a Director on the Selkirk First Nation Development Corporation, member of the Yukon Government Gas Tax Review Committee and has been recently acclaimed as the President of the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce. Michelle is an Alumni of the Governor General of Canada’s Leadership Conference.

 

Tiffany Eckert-Maret | Secretary Treasurer

Tiffany Eckert-Maret is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Da Daghay Development Corporation (DDDC). As the COO of the economic development company for her First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations, overseeing staff and managing the largest investment for DDDC. Tiffany is currently enrolled at Yukon University, working towards her Bachelor of Business Administration.

Tiffany spent her earlier years overlooking Lake Laberge with her cousins and under the watchful eye of her late grandmother, Irene Smith. In her later childhood, Tiffany was fortunate to travel around Canada with her family, as a military brat. Tiffany is married to Andre and has one daughter, Dakota.

 

Delmar Washington | Vice-President

Capital Helicopters

Delmar Washington is a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Born in Whitehorse and raised in Haines Junction, Delmar’s cultural heritage has given him first-hand knowledge of the traditional First Nation lifestyle.

Delmar has worked in road maintenance and construction as an equipment operator and long-haul trucker. He started flying helicopters in 1987 and in 1995 began his own company, Capital Helicopters (1995) Inc. The company continues to be 100% First Nation owned and currently operates four helicopters.

As owner and chief pilot of Capital Helicopters, Delmar has extensive experience working with First Nations, government and the private sector.