Former premier Dennis Fentie has been appointed to serve on the board of directors for Golden Predator Mining Corp., the company announced this morning.

Fentie served as the premier of the Yukon from 2002 to 2011, having first entered politics in 1996 as the MLA for Watson Lake.

He has represented both the Yukon Party and the New Democratic Party during his tenure. As premier he also served as minister of Finance, minister responsible for devolution, land claims and Yukon Energy Corp. and as the minister of Environment.

The announcement noted Fentie's priorities included rebuilding the Yukon economy, formalizing relations with First Nations and revitalizing the mining industry.

During his tenure the unemployment rate in Yukon declined from 9.8 per cent to approximately 4 per cent, annual mineral exploration expenditures grew from $7 million in 2002 to over $300 million in 2011 and the value of mineral production grew 264 percent. Fentie currently is a private businessman residing in Watson Lake.

“Working together, the Yukon offers a wealth of opportunity to the mining industry and to the people of the Yukon,” Fentie said in the press release. “It is important to create partnerships in the community, specifically with First Nations to get them more involved in the mining sector.

“I look forward to serving with my former colleague Piers McDonald and a great team of Yukoners on the board.”

Fentie replaces Toby Pierce on the board. Pierce has resigned to pursue personal interests the statement says. The board thanked him for his commitment and years of service.

Golden Predator’s corporate mandate is to advance the Brewery Creek project near Dawson City towards production through a joint venture arrangement.