The Grand Chief is elected by the members of the General Assembly for a term of 3 years, and acts as the leader and spokesperson for the organization. The Grand Chief provides direction to the staff of the organization through the executive services of the organization on a daily basis, as well as advocates and facilitates on behalf of Yukon First Nation governments and individuals at the local, national, and international levels.

In March 2010, Ruth Massie was appointed as Interim Grand Chief until the Grand Chief election, which will be held during the CYFN annual General Assembly in Brooks Brook on Teslin Tlingit Council traditional territory from July 13 to July 15, 2010.