Meet Tyler Porter, Yukon's 2nd-ever Kaska MLA

Among the many new faces at the Yukon Legislative Assembly next week will be Tyler Porter — the territory’s second-ever Kaska MLA. 

Elected to represent the Southern Lakes riding for the Yukon Party, Porter is a member of the Liard First Nation and the Daylu Dena Council.

While Porter is new to public office, politics run deep in his family. 

For much of the 1980s, Tyler’s uncle Dave Porter served as an NDP MLA, eventually becoming deputy premier. Dave is now president of the Dena Kayeh Institute, a non-profit which fosters and protects Kaska territory and culture, including the language.

“I have a lot of work to do to live up to his legacy," Tyler says of his uncle. "But at the same time, I would hope to start my own, right?

“That's kind of what I'm driven to do, and I'm hoping he'll be proud of the job that I do. I do have plans to have discussions with him over the next little while to get his advice and opinions.”

Tyler said he’s honoured to have been voted in by the people of Southern Lakes, adding he plans to earn the respect of the Tagish Kwan and Tlingit on whose traditional territories the riding sits. 

“I really want to focus on working with them, and for them,” he said. “I’m not here to make the decision on their behalf. They’re the experts. They know the area."

Tyler said serving as new MLA will be a learning curve for him, but he's excited.

“It’s an honour and it’s a privilege to be able to fill these roles. I would like to be an example for more First Nations people to eventually want to step up," he said.

“It’s time for us to work toward leadership and have a say in what happens in our territory.”

Harlan Schilling, the deputy chief of the Liard First Nation and CEO of the First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development, said the Legislative Assembly will greatly benefit from having Tyler walk its halls and wage debate.

Schilling grew up with Tyler, who he said will lead with heart — something crucial for any true leader.

“He'll be there for the people, for the community,” Schilling said. “I feel he'll do a great job, you know, [he’ll] listen and communicate to the members in the area, and bring that to the legislature. Again, couldn't be more proud.”