Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Published Monday, August 27, 2007

ARCTIC RED RIVER - Dealing with an influx of money from the residential school settlement was the top topic discussed at the 24th Gwich'in annual assembly held in Tsiigehtchic Aug. 13 to 17.

Settlement money expected to arrive into the communities is estimated at an average payment of $23,000. Delegates expressed concern over the impact the money could have on the community.

"A lot of my friends get it all in one crack, it's just like winning the lottery," said Fort McPherson chief Wilbert Firth. "We want to make sure they don't use it for the wrong reasons."

Lillian Wright, an Elder from Inuvik, expressed concern over the possible negative impacts.

"For the elders, their children will be there when the money comes in, there could be elder abuse," said Wright.

The Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC) passed a resolution to host a healing retreat for residential school survivors at the Tloon'dii Healing Centre. Wright said she would rather see workshops in every community.

The GTC also passed a resolution to hold financial planning workshops and assist residential school survivors with any payout process.

"It's up to them if they want to invest it," said Tetlit Gwich'in Chief Wilbert Firth of Fort McPherson. "To make sure it's secure and not just put into risky investments."

"The government of Canada and the church are not doing much to address the issue," said Gwich'in Chief Charlie Furlong."

The GTC has taken matters into their own hands, passing a resolution to hold financial planning workshops and an investment forum this year.

The GTC exceeded their investment goals. In 1992, the council set out to reach $132 million in investment holdings by 2007. This year their holdings stand at over $134 million.