Statement from Kate White on the passing of Margaret Commodore
June 3, 2026
I heard the sad news last night of Margaret Commodore’s passing.
Margaret lived a life filled with love, family, activism and public service.
Her professional achievements were many, and yet just a fraction of who she was as a person.
Margaret was first elected to the Yukon Legislature in the general election of 1982 and served Yukoners until her retirement in 1996.
In 1985 she was the first-ever First Nations woman to be named to a cabinet in Canada.
From 1986 to 1989, she was the Minister of Health and Human Resources with responsibility for the Women’s Bureau, which she renamed the Women’s Directorate. In 1989, she became the first Indigenous Minister of Justice in Canada.
In her time in government Margaret used her voice to amplify the voices of those who were not heard.
In 2013, she used her voice to speak for herself and others when she testified at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings. Margaret was brave to her core.
I remember the first time that I met Margaret, I was tongue tied and a little flustered. This woman, who had broken through barriers and glass ceilings all her life was going to take me door knocking. This was the beginning of our friendship.
There hasn’t been an election that I’ve participated in where Margaret wasn’t involved. She’d fly in and nurture new candidates, she’d knock on doors and make phone calls. She’d give pep talks and bring a room to its feet.
I was so surprised and delighted to see her on election night in 2025. It meant so much to have this incredible leader, mentor and friend in my corner.
Margaret believed in people and that fighting for what you believe in matters. She led by example, with heart, humor and determination. Through her actions. She showed generations of young Indigenous people that they belonged at the tables where decisions are made.
Margaret Commodore broke barriers, busted through glass ceilings, blazed trails, and made sure any door she opened stayed open for others.
We were lucky to know her, to learn from her and even luckier to love her.
We offer our deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones. Margaret will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Rest in Power Mugsy
