Gwich'in Tribal Council facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gwichʼin Tribal Council
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Indigenous organization
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GTC jurisdiction
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| Country | Canada | |
| Territory | Northwest Territories | |
| Territorial riding | Mackenzie Delta | |
| Established | April 22, 1992 | |
| Population
(2016)
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| • Total | 1,860 | |
| Website | Official website: https://gwichintribal.ca/ | |
The Gwichʼin Tribal Council is an important organization for the Gwichʼin people in northern Canada. It represents the Gwichʼin First Nation and helps manage their lands and rights. The Council owns about 23,884 square kilometres of land. This land is located in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
The Gwichʼin Tribal Council was created in 1992. This happened after a special agreement called the Gwichʼin Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement was finalized with the Government of Canada. The Council is still working to achieve full self-government for the Gwichʼin people. This means they want to have more control over their own laws and decisions.
History of the Gwichʼin People
The Gwichʼin people have lived in Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories for a very long time. In 1921, Gwichʼin leaders in Canada signed an agreement called Treaty 11. However, there were disagreements about what the treaty meant for the Gwichʼin people's rights. Many promises made in the treaty were not kept.
To fix these issues, a new agreement was needed. The Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement was signed on April 22, 1992. This modern treaty helped to make sure the Gwichʼin people had clear rights to their land. It also provided them with various other rights and benefits.
Gwichʼin Tribal Council Members
The Gwichʼin Tribal Council represents several different Gwichʼin communities and First Nations. These are some of the groups that are part of the Council:
- Carcross/Tagish First Nation
- Champagne and Aishihik First Nation
- Ehdiitat Gwich'in Council
- First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun
- Gwichya Gwich'in Council
- Kluane First Nation
- Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation
- Nihtat Gwich'in Council
- Selkirk First Nation
- Ta'an Kwach'an Council
- Teslin Tlingit Council
- Tetlin Gwich'in Council
- Tr'ondek Hwech'in
Powers and Responsibilities
Even though it is not yet a full self-government, the Gwichʼin Tribal Council has important powers. It helps with planning and protecting the environment in its areas. The Council also fully owns certain lands and organizations.
For example, they own the rights to minerals and resources found under some lands in the Northwest Territories. They also own businesses like the Gwichʼin Development Corporation. This corporation helps create jobs and economic growth for the Gwichʼin people. Another organization they own is the Gwichʼin Settlement Corporation.
There is also a special agreement called the Yukon Transboundary Agreement. This agreement gives the Gwichʼin some rights in a part of the neighbouring Yukon territory. To use these rights, they work together with other First Nations in that area.
