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.