Yukon New Democrats have chosen Melissa Atkinson to be their candidate in this fall's federal election.

Atkinson is a lawyer and former chair of the Yukon Human Rights Commission. She's also a member of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation.

Yukon NDP riding president Dan Bader says it's important to have First Nations representation in Parliament.

"It's really exciting and valuable to have somebody coming from the Yukon, where we have such a high proportion of First Nations people, to be represented by one," he said.

"I think as a lawyer, she's very well spoken. She's got some great ideas, things she wants to get done for Yukon."

Party members chose Atkinson last night over André Bourcier, vice-chair of the Association Franco-Yukonnaise.

Yukon Conservatives have chosen MP Ryan Leef to seek re-election. Former MP Larry Bagnell will run for the Liberals. Frank de Jong is Green Party candidate.