Eric Morris, a former Teslin Tlingit Council chief, won the election for the Yukon's Assembly of First Nations regional chief today on the first ballot after incumbent Rick O'Brien conceded defeat.

While the winner officially required 60 per cent of the vote, O'Brien and Morris agreed prior to the first ballot that whoever lost that ballot would concede the election.

Morris came out ahead, with 34 of 61 ballots cast in his favour.

"Rick has done so much for us over the last six years, and I was amazed by what he was able to accomplish" Morris said in his acceptance speech at Yukon College, where the Council of Yukon First Nationsis holding its annual general assembly this week.

"I feel that's the strength that I will require to do what needs to be done."

Morris said he would try to bring the AFN's influence to bear on the federal government in implementing self-government agreements and to deal with the depleted salmon stocks.

Asked how he would make the AFN - which is seen as an organization primarily concerned with on-reserve first nations - relevant to the Yukon, Morris said he will do his best to be as visible as possible in the communities.

One of the challenges of his job, he said, will be understanding the specific needs and situations of each Yukon first nation.

"We have self-governing communities, we have communities without (land claim) agreements, we have communities who have regional structure amongst themselves.

It's looking at how all of these systems blend together and looking at what role does AFN have in all of that."

In his concession speech,O'Brien - who served two terms as regional AFN chief - thanked those who supported him, and wished Morris well in his new job.

"I'm behind you 100 per cent," O'Brien said. "Anything I can do to help you in any shape or form, don't hesitate to call."

CYFN Grand Chief Andy Carvill said it was an honour to work with O'Brien and he looked forward to working with him in the future.

"So it's not the end of the trail for us," Carvill said, adding: "It's the sign of a true leader who comes forward and concedes defeat."

The grand chief also congratulated Morris on his victory, saying the new chief will bring strength and integrity to the office.