Every day, women around the world are creating history—often quietly, often against the odds. One such woman is Kluane Adamek, the youngest ever woman to serve as Yukon Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Since taking office in January 2018, Chief Adamek has become a symbol of what values-based leadership can look like when it centers youth, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental justice.
Grounded in Culture and Identity
Chief Adamek is of Tlingit, Southern Tutchone, German, and Irish ancestry and is a proud member of the Dakl’aweidi (Killerwhale) Clan of the Kluane First Nation in the Yukon Territory. Her identity has been the foundation of her leadership. It informs her worldview, her advocacy, and her vision for the future of Indigenous governance.
She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Canadian Studies at Carleton University, followed by an MBA from Simon Fraser University, and undertook Indigenous governance studies at the University of Arizona. These academic pathways strengthened her belief in the power of education, cultural grounding, and Indigenous frameworks in leadership development.
A Platform for the Unheard
Before she was Regional Chief, Kluane Adamek was already mobilizing others. She founded Our Voices, a collective of Indigenous youth leaders across northern Canada. This platform was created to uplift young Indigenous voices that had long been excluded from formal decision-making. Through storytelling, leadership development, and community engagement, Our Voices became a model for what intergenerational empowerment could look like.
As Regional Chief, Adamek launched the “Year of the Youth” to highlight the contributions and leadership of Indigenous youth across the Yukon. She also established AFN Yukon Regional Leadership Awards and post-secondary graduation celebrations, further encouraging young people to step into leadership with confidence and cultural pride.
Leading on Climate, with Indigenous Knowledge
Adamek’s leadership extends well beyond the Yukon. As the national portfolio holder for Climate Change, Environment, and Modern Treaties for the Assembly of First Nations, she has brought Indigenous perspectives into high-level climate discussions both in Canada and internationally.
Her climate advocacy includes:
Organizing “Shared Heart” Climate Gatherings, which bring together Elders, youth, and knowledge keepers to design climate action rooted in culture. Launching the Yukon First Nation Climate Action Fellowship, a program for Indigenous youth aged 18 to 30, aimed at equipping them with the tools to lead climate solutions through both science and traditional knowledge. Serving on the Net-Zero Advisory Body to the Canadian federal government, advising on national climate policy. Holding a position on the Board of Directors for WWF Canada, bridging the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and modern conservation efforts.
Through each of these roles, Adamek continues to advocate for an approach to climate justice that respects Indigenous sovereignty, cultural continuity, and intergenerational equity.
A Recognized Force for Change
Chief Adamek’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she was a featured speaker at the TEDWomen Conference, where she spoke about leadership rooted in values and the importance of listening to those often ignored. In early 2021, she was named one of Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence, recognizing her leadership on Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and youth empowerment.
In 2024, Simon Fraser University presented her with its Outstanding Alumni Award, highlighting her dedication to Indigenous-led climate advocacy and transformational leadership.
Why Her Leadership Matters
What sets Kluane Adamek apart is not just her achievements—it’s her approach. She leads by asking who is missing from the table and works to bring them in. For her, youth are not future leaders; they are leaders now. And Indigenous traditions are not barriers to progress—they are essential to building a sustainable, equitable world.
When asked about the long-term impact of encouraging next-generation leaders, she put it simply: “Their voices bring innovative solutions to complex issues and uphold our cultural continuity. When youth are empowered, they create and lead movements for change.”
Adamek also understands that climate justice cannot happen without Indigenous leadership. Her work shows that cultural knowledge systems are not just relevant—they are vital to solving the ecological crises of today.
A Vision for the Future
Chief Adamek often appears alongside her daughter, Tayāna Copper-Jane, dancing with the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers in traditional ceremonies. These moments are more than symbolic. They represent a vision of leadership that is intergenerational, deeply rooted in culture, and profoundly optimistic about what’s possible when young people are given the space, tools, and trust to lead.
Through every initiative, keynote, fellowship, and roundtable, Kluane Adamek is helping to redefine what Indigenous and feminist leadership can look like. She’s not only making history—she’s clearing a path for others to walk through with power, dignity, and purpose.
