CE-077 conventionDeclaration detailLevel http://ica-atom.org/doc/RS-2#5.4 corporateBody Gwich'in Tribal Council conventionDeclaration 1992 - present At the time of first contact, Gwich'in peoples lived in many locations in nine different bands. This area started in the interior of what is now Alaska and continued to the Yukon into the McKenzie River Valley. Today the Gwich'in peoples are located primarily four communities: Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik and Inuvik. Many families maintain different settlements responding to seasonal and trapping needs. The Gwich'in Tribal Council was created in 1992 when the Gwich'in representatives made an agreement with the Government of Canada on the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement . Negotiations continue to work towards a Final Agreement and Gwich'in self-government. "Protect and preserve the rights, interest and benefits of the Gwich’in in reference to their use, ownership and management of lands, waters, and resources in the Gwich’in Settlement Area; Retain, preserve and enhance the traditional and cultural values, customs and language of the Gwich’in in a changing society; Develop and promote economic, social, educational and cultural programs; Uphold the rights, interest and benefits of the Gwich’in; Receive, preserve and enhance the capital and the lands and other benefits transferred to the Gwich’in pursuant to the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement signed on April 22, 1992." "Protect and preserve the rights, interest and benefits of the Gwich’in in reference to their use, ownership and management of lands, waters, and resources in the Gwich’in Settlement Area; Retain, preserve and enhance the traditional and cultural values, customs and language of the Gwich’in in a changing society; Develop and promote economic, social, educational and cultural programs; Uphold the rights, interest and benefits of the Gwich’in; Receive, preserve and enhance the capital and the lands and other benefits transferred to the Gwich’in pursuant to the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement signed on April 22, 1992." Although not a full self-government, the Gwich'in Tribal Council has authority over planning and conservation within its jurisdiction, and exercises full ownership of various lands and organizations.

Since time immemorial the Gwich'in peoples have lived on the lands now known by settlers as the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. They form part of a larger group of Indigenous peoples known as the Athapaskans. This includes the Dogrib, Slavey, Han and Tutchone peoples. Leadership from the Loucheux of the Arctic Red River, now known as the Tsiigehtchic, and Fort McPHerson, now known as the Teetl'it Zheh signed Treaty 11 with King George V in July 1921. This was a formally recognized nation to nation agreement.

Submission from the Gwich'in Tribal Council 1990-01-01 2000-12-31

1990-2000