Margaret Commodore, a former Yukon cabinet minister whose leadership opened political doors for Indigenous women across Canada, died June 1 at 93.
Her death prompted tributes from political leaders and those she mentored, who say her influence continues to shape the territory’s political landscape.
Commodore was first elected in 1982 and went on to win three more terms, representing Whitehorse North Centre and later Whitehorse Centre as a member of the Yukon New Democratic Party until 1996.
She became one of the first two First Nations people appointed to Yukon’s cabinet in 1985 and the first First Nations woman to serve as a minister in any Canadian legislature. Her early portfolios included health, human resources and the Women’s Directorate.
Commodore later served as justice minister, becoming the first Indigenous woman in Canada to hold that role. She also oversaw the Public Service Commission, Workers’ Compensation Board and Yukon Liquor Corporation during her tenure.
Kate White, leader of the Yukon NDP, said Commodore broke barriers at a time when Indigenous people were rarely appointed to cabinet anywhere in the country. White said Commodore’s presence showed young Indigenous people they belonged in political spaces.
White described Commodore as a mentor who consistently showed up for others, whether by offering advice, sending supportive messages or appearing unannounced during election campaigns to help candidates. White recalled being paired with her for door‑knocking in 2011 and feeling immediately supported.
Commodore remained deeply engaged in politics long after leaving office. White recalled that during last year’s election, Commodore was watching results from home but became so excited she had doctors fly her up so she could be at the campaign office on election day and witness the moment in person.
She celebrated the election of new NDP MLA Linda Moen and shared stories about Moen’s grandmother. White said Commodore’s joy in seeing new leaders emerge reflected her belief in representation and visibility.
Commodore’s political career unfolded during the push toward the Umbrella Final Agreement and the negotiation of modern treaties in the Yukon. White said Commodore used her voice in the legislature to speak her truth and counter overtly racist narratives of the time.
White noted Commodore held the record for the longest‑serving woman in Yukon political history until this February, calling it a testament to her long service and deep care for the people she represented.
Premier Currie Dixon said in a written statement that Commodore’s public service helped define the territory and created space for generations of Indigenous women in public life.
Beyond politics, Commodore helped build organizations that continue to serve Yukoners, including Kaushee’s Place, the Yukon Association of Non‑Status Indians and the Yukon Native Hockey Association, according to Dixon’s written statement.
Commodore was a member of the Sto:lo Nation and a residential school survivor. In 2013, she testified before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission about her experiences, bringing her lived reality to conversations on justice and healing.
White said Commodore led by example, describing her as someone whose activism and sense of justice shaped the way she worked. She said Commodore’s values were evident in her family and continue to influence how she approaches her own role.
In a statement from Speaker Yvonne Clarke, the Assembly said Commodore served on several standing committees, including Rules, Elections and Privileges, Public Accounts and Statutory Instruments. The Assembly also extended condolences to her family, friends and former colleagues.
Dixon said flags at the Jim Smith Building and Taylor House were lowered to half‑mast to honour Commodore’s life and service.
White said Commodore’s legacy of representation, visibility and making space for others will continue to resonate in Yukon politics for years to come.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com