Blair Hogan, a Teslin Tlingit First Nation Executive Council member, is seeking the Yukon Liberal Party nomination in his home riding of Pelly-Nisutlin for the coming election.

“I believe there is a huge need in this future territorial government to work more collaboratively with the rural communities, to support their needs in achieving their goals as a community, and to invest in the capacity of all our northern communities and their residents,” Hogan said in a statement today.

“A change in government is needed to meet these needs. I am confident that I can represent the residents of Pelly-Nisutlin in a Liberal government under Sandy Silver that will meet the needs of communities.”

Hogan said he has a strong history of effective community leadership in business development, economic development and intergovernmental relations.

One of the biggest successes in his tenure as executive councilor, he said, has been the development, launch and long-term financing of Teslin’s local economic development agency, the Dèslin Development Corp.

Hogan said he is committed to economic development that is balanced with the needs of communities and the long-term protection of the Yukon’s land, air, water, plants and wildlife.

“I currently sit as the Teslin Tlingit Council executive councillor representing the Ishkitan (Frog Clan) and have also contributed to my community by sitting on various boards and committees within the Yukon and nationally,” Hogan said.

“I know what it means to represent the interests of a group of people and am excited by the opportunity to represent all the citizens in the riding of Pelly-Nisutlin.”

Hogan was born in Whitehorse and raised in Teslin.

He works as a business development consultant with a specific focus on Teslin, Faro and Ross River.

“I’m impressed by the team that Sandy Silver has assembled, and truly believe that the people of Yukon are ready for a positive, balanced government – a Yukon Liberal government,” he said.

The Yukon Party’s Stacey Hassard holds the seat in Pelly-Nisutlin, and is seeking re-election.

Ken Hodgins, who previously worked for the Department of Community Services and lives on Little Salmon Lake, is seeking the NDP nomination in the riding.

Elvis Aaron Presley (born Gilbert Nelles), a performer and former Dragon’s Den contestant, is running to represent Pelly-Nisutlin as an independent.