Arctic Red River (Aug 25/03) - Once a Gwich'in, always a Gwich'in, two women told the more than 100 delegates at the Gwich'in Tribal Council annual general assembly, Aug. 13.

Ann Firth-Jones of Fort Smith and Margaret Begg of Yellowknife may not live in the Gwich'in settlement region, but they want a vote like any other Gwich'in beneficiary.

"We want to be recognized as Gwich'in who can contribute to our Gwich'in culture and language in our areas," said Begg.

Last year, Firth-Jones visited the assembly asking for the same thing -- a vote and a central office to get information from. A resolution was passed to open an office in Yellowknife, but was never acted upon.

According to Firth-Jones, there is more than 350 Gwich'in living in areas outside the settlement area -- which includes Aklavik, Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic and Fort McPherson.

"We have a lot to offer and we can make a great contribution," she told the assembly during her presentation.

"(More than) 300 people is a lot of people and it represents a lot of votes."

She said other Gwich'in have told her they want to be informed, acknowledged and heard by the GTC, regardless of where they live.

"You have a strong case," said Fred Carmichael, GTC president, adding some of his family lives in Edmonton.

"You are still a part of the Gwich'in family."

Carmichael said the issue was brought before the board before but there was no response and the issue was dropped.

"I assure you I will do all I can to keep you in our family."

Aklavik chief Charlie Furlong said there could be some legal implications.

"It could be tricky because it could look like another community creation," he said, noting that their land claim agreement makes no mention of communities outside the Gwich'in region.

The issue will now go to the next board meeting for discussion. Firth-Jones said she and Begg are also submitting a petition to the board in support of the presentation.