Watson Lake, Yukon, members of the Liard First Nation can cast their ballots early for the upcoming Chief election at an advance poll on June 22, 2026. The vote takes place at a polling station in Watson Lake, giving community members a first chance to help choose the next leader of the Liard First Nation, a Kaska First Nation.
Liard First Nation holds elections every three years for Chief and four Councillors. The current council was elected on June 26, 2023, with Chief Stephen Charlie winning a second term with 158 votes. The next regular election is set for June 2026, and the advance poll offers an option for those unable to vote on the main election day.
Chief Charlie has faced significant community pushback since his re-election. In December 2024, members held a non-confidence vote calling for his removal, citing concerns that his leadership no longer aligned with the community’s priorities. Charlie has refused to step down, saying the vote was not sanctioned by the First Nation. Liard First Nation operates under its own custom election code, meaning any disputes must be worked out by the community or through the courts.
The First Nation has about 1,400 members, with many living in Watson Lake and others in Lower Post, British Columbia. The Daylu Dena Council, a sub-council based in Lower Post, represents roughly one-third of the membership and has been vocal in questioning the current leadership.
Alongside the election, community members can take part in a Blanket Exercise – Life Promotion Event on June 30, 2026. The interactive session runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Watson Lake Recreation Centre. It guides participants through more than 500 years of Indigenous history and is presented by Mental Wellness and Substance Use (YG), Liard First Nation (Dene K’eh Justice), Help and Hope, Yukon Hospitals and Victim Services (YG), and facilitated by Nàazhī Consulting and IRP.
