INUVIK - Gwich'in elders are set to receive their full land claim payments by the end of the year, after Gwich'in leaders agreed to pay out the remainder of the total $3,541 (1991 dollars) payment to Gwich'in 70 years or older as of Sept. 30 and to those between 65 and 69 as of Dec. 31, 2009.

Gwich'in and Inuvialuit beneficiaries share a dance during a jam session at Ingamo Hall Sept. 9, after the Gwich'in Tribal Council assembly adjourned for the day. - photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert

Delegates from the four Gwich'in communities of Aklavik, Fort McPherson, Inuvik and Tsiigehtchic met in Inuvik from Sept. 7 to 11 for the Gwich'in Tribal Council's 26th annual general assembly. They committed to authorizing the Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC) and the Gwich'in Settlement Corporation to allow elders "to use the funds in the manner they desire" by distributing the rest of the land claim money earlier, after consultation with financial advisors.

This was just one of 17 resolutions passed at the assembly, many of them commitments to strengthening Gwich'in language, education and culture.

A total of 23 resolutions compiled from each community's concerns were introduced at the assembly, however two motions – calling for a gun safety program and a review of grizzly bear management – were taken off the agenda without discussion because none of the delegates moved or seconded them forward, as is procedure.

Fort McPherson elder Charlie Snowshoe told the delegates residents are concerned about grizzly bears roaming dangerously close to the Dempster Highway, and that the motion to ensure the Gwich'in have proper control over wildlife in the area should not have been skipped over.

"Wake up, delegates!" he said. "It's nothing to move or second a motion."

Two of the motions – one to look into the safety of ferry approaches and air quality in fish camps and residential areas, and one regarding billeting prices in communities, were deferred pending further work by the GTC.