Revised - Another notable former Yukon politician has died.

Alice McGuire passed on Dec. 9. A respected elder with the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, she served as a Liberal member of the legislature from 1978 to 1982.

She was one of two Liberal MLAs at the time, serving with Ron Veale, who was leader at that time. Both lost their seats in the June 1982 territorial election.

McGuire represented the electoral district of Kluane.

Her 1978 victory was noteworthy on two counts. She was the territory’s first female Yukon First Nations MLA.

And, she defeated the late Hilda Watson, the leader of the-then Yukon Territorial Progressive Conservative Party, the forerunner to today’s Yukon Party.

Watson’s loss prevented her from becoming the first female premier of a Candian jurisdiction.

The Conservatives won that election and formed a government under the leadership of the late Chris Pearson, facing an NDP opposition headed by Tony Penikett.

In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Premier Sandy Silver said, “Today we recognize the passing of Ta’an Kwäch’än citizen Alice McGuire, who was the first female Yukon First Nations member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly.

“Alice’s legacy of leadership is forever etched into the history of the territory and will continue inspiring future generations of leaders who follow in her footsteps.

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, and all Yukoners, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Alice’s family, friends and loved ones.”

The Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Chief Amanda Leas released a statement on McGuire’s death.

“It is with a tremendous amount of sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Ta’an Kwäch’än citizen Alice McGuire, who died on Dec. 9.

“Alice Pamela McGuire (nee Chletheroe) was born on Apr. 1, 1935 and was a member of the Jenny LeBarge family,” Leas said.

“Alice went on to become an integral member of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Elders Council.

“Her dedication and passion for preserving our government’s history will be appreciated for years to come,” the chief added.

“Her kindness, passion and strength for building community unity will be forever missed.

“On behalf of TKC Council, our hearts are full at this difficult time.

“We offer our deepest condolences to Alice’s family, and sympathy to all in our community who share with us this loss,” Leas added.

Veale, now a retired Yukon Supreme Court chief justice, could not be reached for comment Thursday or this morning.

Three other former Yukon MLAs have died in 2021. They are: Darius Elias (Liberal, independent and Yukon Party), Peter Jenkins (Yukon Party, independent) and Archie Lang (Yukon Party).