Inuvik Gwich'in 'disappointed' by decision to approve agreement-in-principle

A week after the Gwich'in Tribal Council's board approved a self-government agreement-in-principle, some Gwich'in are not happy about the process.

The Nihtat Gwich'in Council, which represents Gwich'in in Inuvik, N.W.T., said it's "disappointed and discouraged" by the decision to approve an agreement-in-principle. It said in a news release the agreement-in-principle was approved without its support. 

• Gwich'in Tribal Council board approves self-government agreement-in-principle
• Gwich'in Tribal Council's push to sign agreement-in-principle called 'political posturing'

"It is unfortunate that the Gwich'in Tribal Council's leadership chose to ignore the wishes and desires of elected community representatives who represent almost one-third of all enrolled Gwich'in," the release said.

All other board members from the three other Gwich'in communities approved the agreement-in-principle last week Wednesday.

The territorial and federal governments now have to approve the agreement-in-principle before all three parties sign off on it. Then a final self-government agreement still needs to be negotiated.

In April, the Nihtat Gwich'in Council said it didn't have enough time to review the self-government agreement-in-principle. It still wants to take its time to review the document and it will also be consulting its membership at an annual general meeting in July.

After that time it might approve the agreement-in-principle, the Inuvik Gwich'in organization said.

Opinions divided in Aklavik

Gwich'in in Aklavik, N.W.T., have mixed views about the process.

Danny Greenland, chief of the Aklavik Indian Band, said the tribal council has been conducting self-government community consultations for some time in each Gwich'in community.

"I don't know what the problem is all of a sudden," Greenland said.

Aklavik Gwich'in resident Bobbie Jo Greenland Morgan said community information sessions are not enough. She said leaders need to find ways beyond meetings to reach out to Gwich'in inside and outside the traditional settlement area.

"There's many members who don't even live in the Gwich'in settlement area," Greenland Morgan said.

"We have many living out of country and across the country. Many of whom who have good education, good work experience, and we need to hear from them. A good leader would try to engage these people."

Many Gwich'in locally, Greenland Morgan said, don't attend meetings because they are frustrated with the leadership.  

As for the Inuvik Gwich'in organization wanting more time to consult with members, Greenland Morgan sees no problem with that.

She said traditionally her First Nation is inclusive and considers different opinions.

"To me our Gwich'in traditional value is to maintain respect and integrity, always. To listen to each other."

The Gwich'in Tribal Council has not responded to requests for comment.