Honouring the Late Honourable Ione Christensen
- Yukon Foundation
- Sep 18
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 29
The Yukon Foundation is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Honourable Ione Christensen.
As the Foundation’s first Executive Director, she played a pivotal role in our beginnings and remained a source of inspiration throughout her life. We were honoured by her presence at our most recent Annual General Meeting and are grateful for her enduring support and wisdom. Her legacy will continue to inspire our work.
A lifelong trailblazer, Ione Christensen made history in 1975 when she ran for mayor of Whitehorse against seven male opponents, and won, becoming the city’s first woman mayor. Her career that followed included service as Commissioner of Yukon and later as a Senator, where she continued her lifelong commitment to public service and community leadership.
Through the years, Ione established a fund to offer travel bursaries for high school students to attend events in Ottawa to learn about Canadian political leadership, a fund to promote Yukon writers and the Yukon Outdoors Club Fund.
As part of her enduring legacy with the Yukon Foundation, Ione established a fund through a life insurance policy to support the Foundation’s ongoing administrative work.
Those wishing to honour her memory are invited to contribute to these funds, helping to carry forward the spirit of leadership and service that defined her life.
We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.
To read more about Ione's life and incredible accomplishments, visit:
Some text in this article has been referenced from CBC News.
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