My name is Ed Champion, an Elder born in Mayo and a member of the Crow Clan. My great grandmother, Big Maizie, is a respected ancestor whose legacy connects me to many of you in the First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun, and to our enduring cultural heritage.

My grandparents, Jack and Mary McDiarmid built and ran the Stewart Crossing Lodge, which consisted of a hotel, bar, gas station and restaurant. I fondly remember my grandmother's heartwarming laugh as she served her guests, and my grandfather’s dedication running the ferry at Stewart Crossing until the bridge was built.

My mother, Beryl Champion (McDiarmid), was one of the best mothers' in the world. John Champion, managed the hydro dam in Mayo before moving to run the forestry service in Watson Lake.

We left the Yukon when I was 10 because my sister, born deaf and blind, needed medical services available only in Vancouver.

My career in real estate spans decades, focusing on financing, marketing, sales, building, and development in Western Canada and the US. In 2010, I returned to the Yukon to lead our development corporation. As CEO, I assembled a team of experts with a focus on mining. Our first meeting with Chief and Council was met with a standing ovation for our plans, allowing us to secure control over the mining files and remove them from the executive director's office.

However, within a few short months, control over the mining files was removed from NND Development Corporation, as was I shortly thereafter. The files were once again in the executive director's office.

In 2012, I ran for Chief on a platform for Wellness for our people and I was elected. We engaged two independent law firms and a mining consultant to review all First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun (NND) mining contracts. While none were found to be great for NND, a few stood out as lacking true fairness and needed improvement. One of my intentions as Chief was to renegotiate those deals, but once again, I strangely found myself removed from my position.

To be clear, I do not blame the mining industry, nor do I suggest mining interests influenced my removals. The mining industry needs permits and approvals, often influencing governments to secure support. As my mother used to say; "If you walk too close to the bear's den, don't be surprised if you wake the bear." The recent environmental disaster in our traditional territory is a tragedy but also an opportunity for NND citizens. This is not a personal vendetta; it is about fairness and justice for NND while raising the bar for environmental safety.

Done correctly, this opportunity can provide new housing for every NND Elder and citizen, both on and off settlement lands. Every NND member should be on a path to financial prosperity with cash in their pockets if/when the mine reopens.

One of my most impactful contributions as the Chief of the First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun was working closely with our lawyer, Tom Berger, at a critical juncture in our legal battle against the Yukon Government. Although I was not Chief when the case was ultimately settled, our efforts were instrumental in the eventual protection of the Peel Watershed in the Supreme Court of Canada.

With your support, my team and I are ready to help lead the way, ensuring fair deals that provide a prosperous future for ALL First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun citizens.