Next week, a new member will join the Yukon Legislative Assembly, Tyler Porter, becoming the territory’s second-ever Kaska MLA. Elected to represent the Southern Lakes riding for the Yukon Party, Porter hails from the Liard First Nation and the Daylu Dena Council. Despite being new to public office, politics have long been a part of his family legacy. His uncle, Dave Porter, a former NDP MLA and deputy premier in the 1980s, now serves as the president of the Dena Kayeh Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Kaska territory and culture, including the language.
Tyler expressed his aspiration to uphold his uncle’s legacy while also carving out his own path in public service. He plans to seek advice and guidance from his uncle in the coming days. Grateful for the support from the people of Southern Lakes, Tyler aims to earn the respect of the Tagish Kwan and Tlingit, the indigenous communities residing on the traditional territories within his riding.
Acknowledging that his new role as MLA will involve a learning curve, Tyler remains enthusiastic about the opportunity. He hopes to inspire more First Nations individuals to engage in leadership roles and contribute to decision-making processes that impact their territories.
Harlan Schilling, the deputy chief of the Liard First Nation and CEO of the First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development, commended Tyler’s leadership qualities and emphasized the importance of his community-focused approach. Schilling highlighted the significance of Tyler’s presence in the Legislative Assembly, especially in addressing critical issues like proposed mining projects and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas across Kaska territory.
Tyler aims to prioritize health, employment, and housing concerns not only within his constituency but also on a broader scale. He recognizes the diverse priorities of different communities and intends to advocate for their interests and voices as a First Nations representative in the political arena.