Message from the President

My objective is to build healthy individuals, families and communities by building a strong, independent and self-reliant people, communities and region. This starts with respect for each other.

Building trust is a process that will be achieved over time through our decisions and actions. Our objective is to show Gwich’in Participants and communities that we have a plan to support independent people and vibrant, healthy communities.

The Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) has begun this process by:

• supporting the Gwich'in governments in the Gwich'in Settlement Area (GSA) as the key agents of delivering programs and services;

• supporting private enterprise and community businesses by investing in business outside the GSA;

• creating sustainable partnerships with interested community corporations and other businesses which reduces competition in communities and provides long-term financial benefits to the community corporation;

• evaluating and reviewing the GTC and Gwich'in Development Corporation so that they carry out - effectively and efficiently - the duties for which they were established;

• building relationships with other Aboriginal peoples and governments; and

• defending the rights and interests of Gwich'in Participants as set out in the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement and Treaty 11.

We should be reminded that the mandate of elected GTC leadership is for a term of four (4) years. Over this time the Executive will require support to make decisions to initiate new policies, undertake activities and take on new programs where necessary to ensure that real change happens and that we assist in improving the well being of Gwich’in. It is my expectation that our decisions, policies and initiatives will be measured over time so that results of the changes can show results.

We thank you for your support, constructive advice and encouragement.

Haii Cho!

Richard Nerysoo
President