Melissa Atkinson, a First Nations legal aid lawyer, won Yukon New Democrats’ vote Tuesday night to represent the party in the territory in October’s federal election.

Flanked by her mother, uncle and other linchpin figures of Atkinson’s political campaign, the new NDP candidate stood before the crowd of about 100, wiping a tear from her cheek.

“What I’ve come to notice is (this) ‘orange wave inertia’ because it just pulls you ... and grabs onto you for a good reason. And that good reason is to effect real parliamentary change in our Yukon,” Atkinson said.

“One of the things we look forward to is informing the Yukon that there is a real choice.”

Last night’s vote came after a month-long campaign between Atkinson and André Bourcier, a linguist at the Yukon Native Language Centre.

The meeting was held at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, where citizens heard speeches from both candidates before the ballots were collected and tallied.

Joined by the candidates was B.C. NDP MP Nathan Cullen, who spoke at length about the need for positive change in Ottawa.

Though vote numbers were not released, it appeared as though both candidates had a sizable following of supporters present.

Takhini-Kopper King MLA Kate White supported Bourcier.

She noted that Bourcier was at one of the first events she attended as an MLA, oozing a calm sort of confidence that struck White.

“I was awed by how easy he made it look,” White said.

It was an observation that still seemed relevant, as Bourcier addressed the crowd in both English and French.

He guided listeners through three NDP platforms – providing affordable childcare, protecting the environment and building a positive relationship with First Nations.

Besides hammering home the party’s ambitions, remarks about the stylings of Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau’s wavy locks were also popular at the meeting.

“It is true, that I also have nice hair,” Bourcier joked, turning his head slightly to show off his long mane gathered into a ponytail.

Cullen, on the other hand, noted he suffers from “follicle envy”— a self-deprecating jab at his own hair loss.

Atkinson and Bourcier are new to the political arena, having to learn the ropes together.

For Atkinson, getting into politics has had its challenges.

Growing up, she always wanted to be good at things instantly, listing baseball and ballet as examples.

What makes the learning curve easier is seeing the support and guidance she has behind her, whether it be her mother as a child, or her campaign team moving forward as a candidate.

She admitted she can be the independent type at times, partly because she was raised by a single mom.

Sometimes she held the mindset of “if you want things done, just do it yourself.”

But now, she’s learning to ask for help.

The months ahead signal the beginning of more sleep-deprived days for the lawyer, as the tireless campaigning prior to the Oct. 19 election is due to start soon after an office space has been secured.

There’s a bit of catch-up to be had, as both the Yukon’s Conservative and Liberal candidates – incumbent Ryan Leef and Larry Bagnell respectively – have been set since 2014.

Atkinson plans to devote campaign time to voter education, ensuring that more people understand that they have a vote and how to make it valid.

Her work experience will be an asset. She has spent years working with clients and familiarizing herself with Yukoners from all walks of life.

“To me, an MP should be the voice for the Yukon and not a Yukon voice in Ottawa,” she said.

Like many other NDP members, Atkinson believes the Conservative government has been offering fear and silence.

The passing of the controversial anti-terrorism act in May, known as Bill C-51, was a major push for her to get involved, she said this morning.

“That was one of the starting points of me saying, ‘There has to be some different way.’”

If Atkinson is elected, it would mark the first time a First Nation member became a Yukon MP.

While it would seem like a long-awaited step in the right direction, Atkinson has mixed emotions.

On one hand, she said, it shows people how slowly things are progressing.

It took Canada 97 years before finally granting First Nations people the right to vote—even longer to have a First Nations Yukon MP, whenever that occurs.

But, it’s not the only time in her career that she has been first— Atkinson was the territory’s first aboriginal Crown prosecutor.

She has adopted a mantra to view any opportunity that comes her way in life.

“People have to start somewhere.”

Atkinson had the support of former NDP leader Audrey McLaughlin, who was the territory’s MP from 1987 to 1997.

Faro resident Frank de Jong is the territory’s Green Party candidate.