John Burdek has long been a familiar face at many levels of government in the Yukon. Burdek, who was born in Dawson City, attended Lethbridge Community College and spent many years with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He served as chairperson of the Ta’an Kwach’an Council, the First Nation of which he is a member, leading its transition from an Indian Act band to a self-governing First Nation. His vast array of experience also includes work with Yukon College, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and his current role with the Government of Yukon’s Governance Liaison and Capacity Development Branch. Burdek was a signatory to both the Final and Self-Government Agreements of the Ta’an Kwach’an Council.