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We are very concerned for the future well-being of the Gwich’in people and nation. This petition calls for our leaders to commit to consultation, transparency, and sound decision-making strategies. We are publicly expressing our dissatisfaction and deep concern for the recent political developments in the Gwich’in Settlement Area (GSA).

Information about finances, the upcoming annual assembly, changes to our bylaws, and the future of the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) is being withheld from Gwich’in people. The GTC has refused to answer valid questions about information that should be privy to Gwich’in people. A fundamental aspect of Gwich’in society has been holding open discussions with elders, leaders, and community members. Consultation is key to our well-being and without it, we fear for the future democratic structures of the GTC, our Councils, and the self-government process. As such, we have been forced to consider various potential developments, without making assumptions or judgments.

The Gwich’in, like other Indigenous people, have long been familiar with draconian government policies that have and continue to dictate who we are as Indigenous people. The Indian Act has been in effect since 1876 and continues to govern Indigenous (including Gwich’in) people nationally. Policies such as compulsory residential schooling, Enfranchisement, the criminalization of cultural expressions, and the enforcement of laws pertaining to movement/settlement are crucial aspects of our history.

Of particular concern is the intent of current leadership and board of directors to place limits on the definition of Gwich'in peoples, creating a different class of Gwich’in with lesser voting rights, thereby limiting beneficiaries to those who currently reside within the GSA. This attempt will only serve to further limit the identities and political participation of non-resident Gwich’in of the GSA. Clearly, this is a problem since approximately 65% of enrolled Gwich’in participants currently reside outside the GSA. We have reviewed the Treaty 11 (as negotiated and signed by our ancestors in 1921), our 1992 Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA), and the federal Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. According to these documents, the proposed changes are both unnecessary and unreasonable. The GTC has been reinforcing the perception that these changes are required due to the federal Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. This information is misleading and false. These actions can only be seen as an extension of oppressive policies, undoubtedly influenced by the ongoing structures of colonialism. It is our desire that the GTC will operate in the best interest of Gwich’in people everywhere instead of imposing various requirements that erode traditional Gwich’in concepts of sovereignty, peoplehood, and cultural well-being.

It would damage our political sovereignty to limit voting rights for non-GSA Gwich’in. For many of us, we go to great lengths to retain and nourish our connection to our traditional lands, cherish our family connections who continue to reside in the GSA, immerse ourselves in local knowledge, and return to the region regularly. By retaining our inherent voting rights, interested Gwich’in participants can continue to respectfully be engaged in local politics and decisions. In doing so, we fully acknowledge that Gwich’in resources are meant for Gwich’in people and it is not our intent to interrupt GSA-based projects or initiatives that garner local support.

To say that we are not interested or no longer Gwich’in or connected to this region is absurd and factually incorrect. As our 1992 GCLCA states:

“Gwich’in” means a person of Gwich’in (also referred to as Loucheux) ancestry who resided in, or used and occupied the settlement area on or before December 31, 1921, or is a descendant of such person.

Being Gwich’in is a critical and valued part of our lives. It is how we understand the world and function within it no matter where we are. We teach our children Gwich’in values, we have a special connection to the land, our family members and ancestors are residents of the GSA, and we have a shared, collective history. Being Gwich’in has different meanings for different people. Simply not living in the GSA does not mean we are no longer Gwich’in.

And in respect to Gwich’in Organization and membership, the GCLCA further states:

Section 7.1.3

A) Designated Gwich’in organizations administering land or capital assets transferred pursuant to 8.1.1, 9.1.2 or 18.1.2 shall be structured such that:

i. all participants have an equal interest therein as at the date of settlement legislation; and

ii. such organizations shall be owned and controlled by participants and membership or shareholdings shall be non-transferable.

B) Any subsequent restructuring of such organizations shall respect the principle of maintaining an equal interest of participants, either at the regional or community level, in respect of land and capital assets.

 Section 7.1.4

Designated Gwich’in organizations exercising rights pursuant to this agreement shall be open to membership by all participants who are not minors and who are affected by the exercise of such rights.

According to the GTC’s website, our Leadership and Councils value integrity, transparency, and honesty while promoting “Unity Through Diversity.” As a concerned nation, we are asking that these values be respected and practiced. In 2012, we, the Gwich’in people, voted in Robert Alexie Junior in hopes of building a brighter future for generations to come. The tragic passing of Robert has affected us all and it is our wish that the GTC continues to work in Robert’s spirit and respect for his family, while embracing honesty, integrity, and transparency.

Through the signing of this letter, we, people of the Gwich’in nation, are requesting that our leaders:

- do not change our current electoral processes and retain one class of members to ensure fair and equal voting rights;

- involve all Gwich’in participants in the self-government process;

- demonstrate transparency in decision-making processes, make financial statements available, hold public/open meetings, and accountability by sharing information with Gwich’in participants on a regular basis;

- schedule adequate consultations with all community members in the GSA, as well as in Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Edmonton;

- refrain from defining the identity of its people, while promoting unity and excellence in its leadership of a nation by allowing all of its members to take part in electoral process, if they choose to do so.

Hai cho.

Respectfully,

Communities of Concerned Gwich’in