Statement from the NDP on the passing of former federal candidate Melissa Atkinson
The Yukon NDP family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Melissa Atkinson.
Melissa was a proud Indigenous woman born and raised in Yukon with Han, Kaska Dene and Tlingit roots , she was a member of Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation. Melissa was many things to many people: a daughter, a lawyer, an advocate and, a friend. She will be missed.
Yukon NDP leader Liz Hanson said: “Melissa was a strong human rights advocate, having served for many years as president ( ? Correct) of the Yukon Human Rights Commission. As a mother, my heart goes out to Jessie Sidney, the death of a child is every mother’s ( parent’s) worst nightmare”
At this time the Yukon New Democrat family’s thoughts are with Melissa’s family throughout Yukon.