President of White River First Nation Development Corporation and Small Business Owner John VanderMeer seeks Yukon NDP Nomination in Kluane

August 11, 2025

John VanderMeer, White River First Nation (WRFN) citizen and local leader, announced he is seeking the Yukon NDP nomination for Kluane for the 2025 territorial election.  

“I’m honoured to run for the Yukon NDP in Kluane,” said VanderMeer. “For years, I’ve heard from folks across Kluane who aren’t getting the healthcare or services we deserve. With Kate White and the Yukon NDP, we’ll make healthcare better and make it easier for your family to build a good life in the community you live in.”

VanderMeer is not new to politics, having been elected twice as a councillor for WRFN. While on council, he led initiatives to empower young people in the community, including log home building and language programs. 

He currently serves as the President of Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership, WRFN’s development corporation, where he led one of the largest solar projects in the Yukon, allowing the entire community of Beaver Creek to go diesel-free for much of the year. He is a current member of the Yukon Police Council, where he works with other appointed members and the RCMP to inform better policing in communities. He is also a successful small business owner of a classic vehicle restoration shop.

Before this, he worked as a technician for Northwestel for 20 years. In this role, John took on leadership positions within the union, IBEW Local 1574, moving through the ranks from shop steward to President and ultimately becoming the full-time Business Manager of the local. 

“When something’s broken, John fixes it,” said Yukon NDP leader Kate White. “Whether it’s a car engine or energy for an entire community, John is someone who steps up and takes action for people around him. That’s exactly the kind of MLA Kluane deserves — someone who picks up the phone when you call, and shows up for you when you need it.” 

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