CAFN Mourns Passing of Chief Bob Charlie

Dakwäkäda (Haines Junction) – Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) is in deep mourning following the loss of our beloved Chief Bob Charlie of the Agunda (Wolf Clan)
“We will miss Chief Bob Charlie and all the joy and happiness he shared through his music, kindness, and humour,” says Chief Barb Joe. “He could always make you laugh and get you boogying on the dance floor with his Klukshu Flats Boogie Band.”

“Bob had a special place in our hearts and will be sadly missed,” she added. Bob William Charlie, His traditional names are Zhäwa Tà and Bobbyshän.

Bob Charlie was born in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory on May 9, 1946, and passed away surrounded by family on September 14, 2024, at Whitehorse General Hospital.

Bob Charlie was elected Chief of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations in 1998 and served one four-year term. He was fondly known as the Singing Chief to Citizens of CAFN.
One of his fondest memories was meeting the former leader of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. In the late 1990s, he was part of a delegation of northern First Nations leaders who attended a UN conference on Persistent Organic Pollutants in Johannesburg.

He often said that was a lifetime highlight, and the good advice Mandela gave him served him well in his future roles.

Bob was also well-known as a talented guitar player and singer. Following his love for music, he performed at many dances in Yukon communities from the 1970s to 2000s. Bob formed and performed with the beloved Klukshu Flats Boogie Band for many years. He was also part of an earlier band in the 1960s called the D’Mans, which played at many dances at Skookum Jim Friendship Centre and throughout the Yukon.

Bob had skills in media and recording. Bob wrote for the Whitehorse Star in his younger years and had a weekly column called Charlie’s Chuckles. Before he was elected Chief, Bob was a broadcaster for CBC North. His deep smooth voice was made for radio and respected all across the Yukon.

He carried out a project documenting elders through audio recordings, ensuring their stories could be heard and preserved for future generations. He also operated a recording studio from his basement for many years.

Bob was instrumental in getting messages out to First Nation people across the Yukon about the land claims negotiations. Later in life before he retired, Bob worked for 10 years supporting residential school survivors in the Yukon and across Canada.

Chief Bob Charlie touched the lives of many Yukoners and was a beacon of kindness and love. He will be forever remembered by his family, Nation, and by many people across the country.

For more information:
CAFN.ca
Mike Rudyk
Communications Manager
(867) 334-5749
[email protected]

Jenna Henderson
Communications Officer
(867) 634-4200
[email protected]