Staff Directory

Sharon Nelson (Roberts) is a Selkirk First Nation citizen and member of the Wolf Clan. She is recognized for her strong roots to Selkirk First Nation and her enduring commitment to the community. Her Northern Tutchone name is ‘Eagle Eye’. She grew up in the Yukon with her late parents, Sarah Sims and Gregory Sims. Her late grandparents were Maggie and Luke Roberts, as well as Della and Richard Sims. Sharon has two sisters and one brother. She is married to Kevin Nelson and has two sons, Maverick and Nicolas.

Having embarked on her educational pursuits outside the Yukon in 1984, Sharon returned to her roots in 1999 to begin her career with Selkirk First Nation. Starting as an Executive Director Trainee, she progressively ascended to the position of Executive Director in which she served for eight years.

In 2009, Sharon broadened her horizons by assuming the role of Executive Director for AFN Yukon Region in Whitehorse for two years. Despite the valuable experiences gained, her heart remained with Pelly, prompting her return in 2010. During this period, she assumed the role of Executive Director for one year before transitioning to Senior Policy Advisor.

In 2017, Sharon was elected to serve as Chief of Selkirk First Nation, a successful term that ended with her Council guiding us through the challenges of a global pandemic. She then assumed the role as Governance Director in 2020, and played a key role in supporting the Council, the Finance Committee, and the policy work within the administration.

Sharon is proud to be returning to her second term as Chief and hopes to add value and strength to our leadership with a focus on the health, well-being and safety of Citizens, transparency, sustainable programs and services, and economic growth for our community.

Ashley, in her renewed role as Crow Counsellor, brings valuable experience from previous terms serving on Council. She has also been elected as Deputy Chief by Council in accordance with our Constitution.

Ashley’s mother is Lena Joe, and her late grandparents were Tommy Joe and Florence Baum. On her paternal side, her father is the late George VanBibber and Grandparents the late George and Maria VanBibber. Ashley shares her life with her husband, Corey Edzerza, and together they have a 6-year-old son named Chase.

Her journey towards serving our community began at 14 when she started working summer jobs for Selkirk First Nation. After graduation, she continued to work for Selkirk First Nation in different capacities until she joined the Health and Social department in 2011.

In 2014, driven by a desire to understand governance better and make a meaningful difference, Ashley decided to run for Council. She successfully served three terms on the council, two of which were consecutive. Ashley’s focus while serving on Council lies with important community issues, such as education, family dynamics, and the preservation of land and wildlife. Her vision is to help create a brighter future for the upcoming generations while preserving and cherishing our traditional culture amidst the demands of modern times.

Ashley Edzerza’s dedication to her community and her respect for her family’s legacy are evident in her continuous efforts to serve and contribute positively to the well-being and prosperity of her people.

Cody, known traditionally as Dek’a kin nadhat (man stands in front), is a notable member of the Egunde (Wolf) Clan. Born to Lori Sims and George Gill, Cody carries a legacy rooted in the late Sarah Sims (Roberts) and Greg Sims, with great-grandparents being the late Maggie Baum and Luke Roberts.

Currently in his fourth year of leadership, including three years as the Youth Councillor, Cody now proudly serves as the Wolf Councillor. His drive for leadership stems from many motivations, such as inspiration from his parents, a commitment to ongoing skill development, meaningful connections and personal growth, and a determination to contribute to the advancement of our Nation and community.

Cody aspires to leave a leadership legacy that inspires not only fellow and future leaders in the practice of leading with compassion and humility, but also hopes this mindfulness transcends to every citizen. He aims to lead by example, demonstrating conviction in giving 100% to all his efforts. Cody envisions the Council’s collective achievements elevating the community and improving citizens’ lives. He encourages pride in our identity and upholding our traditional values—sharing, caring, teaching, and respecting one another.

Cody’s advice for future Council candidates is to view leadership as an earned privilege, emphasizing the value of actions over words. Serving the community entails navigating pressure, balancing work and home life, and making tough decisions. Cody’s succinct advice includes stepping up for the right reasons, leading with humility, understanding key responsibilities, and valuing collaboration.

Jessica Rachel Alfred is a proud member of the Crow Clan, born in Whitehorse Yukon, to parents Emma Alfred (Selkirk First Nation) and Edward Graham (Champagne Aishihik First Nation). Jessica spent most of her childhood living in Whitehorse, where she graduated from F.H. Collins. She continued her education at Yukon College. While pursuing her education, Jessica never lost sight of her traditional lifestyle and values. From a young age, she was taught by her family about strong Northern Tutchone moral values and respect, understanding Dooli, and the teachings of skills while at fish camp and hunting camp.

Subsequently, Jessica returned to Pelly Crossing and embarked on her career with Selkirk First Nation in the Lands Department, initially as the Administration Assistant. This role provided her with invaluable insights into Land Management, fish and wildlife, heritage preservation, committee maintenance, and the coordination of the Annual Northern Tutchone Fish and Wildlife May Gathering. She dedicated seven years to the Department before taking a break to become a full-time mother of three children. Upon her return to work with Selkirk First Nation, she took on roles such as Post-Secondary Education Administrator, Governance Support Assistant, Wellness Director Trainee, and Recreation Coordinator. Between her job transitions, Jessica also assumed various Coordinator positions for community events, consistently volunteering when her assistance was needed.

Jessica’s deep commitment to the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness of Selkirk First Nation members inspired her to pursue a seat on the Council. Her dedication to preserving traditions and encouraging individuals to establish their own connections with the land and culture is rooted in her fervent desire to foster community wellness.

Her experiences as a member of Selkirk First Nation’s Administration staff further fueled her decision to seek a role on the Council. Additionally, Jessica is determined to advocate for equal access to educational opportunities for all Selkirk First Nation citizens, regardless of their level of education.

Currently, Jessica resides in Pelly Crossing as a single parent, raising her three children: Luca, Levi, and Julianna. During her time off, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her children, being home in the community enjoying the different community events and engagements. Jessica and her children love travelling and being out on the land with family and friends.

Patrick McGinty, Wolf Councillor, is a dedicated individual with a clear mission to make a positive impact on the path of his community. Born to Agnes McGinty and John Laquant, his maternal grandparents are the late Annie and Tommy McGinty, and his paternal grandparents the late Alice Guy and Kevin Laquant, who all instilled in him the values of traditional knowledge and helped provide the foundation for his sense of responsibility.

Patrick, also known as Patrick Thomas Khanajete McGinty, ran for council to help build a brighter future with increased opportunities for the people of Selkirk First Nation, not just for those in administration but for all citizens in various aspects of community life.

For Patrick, the greatest reward as a Council member will be knowing that he has worked towards making a positive difference within the community. Despite facing challenges in areas like capacity and infrastructure, he remains committed to overcoming these obstacles and working towards continuously strengthening our community.

Patrick emphasized the importance of self-reflection and the need for a strong support team to navigate the challenges ahead. Through his dedication and vision, Patrick McGinty continues to contribute to the betterment of his community, striving for positive change and increased opportunities for all.

Keyshawn, currently in his first term on Council as the Youth Councillor. His mother is Rebecca Roberts, and his father is Scott Sawyer. On his mother’s side, his grandparents are Freda Alfred and Benjamin Joe, and on his father’s side, his grandparents are Thelma Sawyer and Kenneth Sawyer.

Keyshawn is also grateful for the mentorship of Don Trudeau, Audrey Trudeau, Kevin McGinty, Betty Baptiste, Sharon Nelson, Jeremy Harper, Cody Sims, and the late Roger Alfred. They have provided valuable guidance and support as he works towards building a stronger community for Selkirk First Nation.

He also draws strength from overcoming past adversities as a youth who has previously lost and regained his path. Equipped with growth and lessons, he is determined to be a voice for the younger generations who walk the balance between traditional and modern ways. He began his leadership journey on the Youth Committee, with hopes to uplift and empower the youth of Selkirk First Nation.

Proud to be Northern Tutchone, Keyshawn grew up in Whitehorse and Pelly Crossing, and graduated from Eliza Van Bibber School in 2022. Guided by values such as kindness, respect, resilience, generosity, and compassion, he is committed to enhancing the well-being of his community. Keyshawn envisions a future where our people thrive with success and strength at their fullest potential. His deep connection with the community extends to meaningful relationships with Elders where has gained invaluable knowledge, and he strives to share these insights with the younger generation about the knowledge and history that shapes their community’s identity.