INUVIK
While Gwich'in Day was celebrated on April 22 with mostly happy sentiments, the anniversary didn't come without some ambivalence.

James Wilson, the president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, was on hand for Gwich'in Day on April 22 at the GTC offices. Dozens of people attended the celebration, which marks the anniversary of the nation's land claim agreement. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

Dozens of people turned out for the festivities under mostly cloudy skies and cool temperatures to enjoy some free food, but also to mark the 23rd anniversary of the signing of the Gwich'in nation's historic land-claim agreement.

James Wilson, the new president of the Gwich'in Tribal Association, said he was gratified to see so many people out marking the momentous occasion.

"It's great to see almost the whole community out," he said.

"The reception has been very good. This is one of my first times seeing this."

"I think for most of us it's a chance to celebrate the land-claims agreement. It's a major accomplishment for us, and it's a reminder (of that)."

Wilson said there's still a "big agenda" for the Gwich'in nation and its leaders to fulfill.

"We need to build a stronger organization and improve relationships between the organization and the communities, the private sector and other governments" he said.

"I'm also looking forward to advancing education, and our economic development is a priority. We've got a list a mile long of everything I'd like to accomplish."

"We have to recognize that we're in a very (economically) depressed area," Wilson added.

"I think our board needs to consider all their options."

Self government draft agreement coming down the pipe

Wilson also revealed the negotiations for a self-government agreement with the federal and territorial government are going so well that a draft agreement could be released this fall.

To be ratified, such an agreement requires the permission of a full slate of representatives at an annual general meeting, Wilson said. He's hoping it could be ready for the August session.

"We hope to have it done by then, but it's going to take a lot of work," he said.

It wasn't only Gwich'in turning out for the celebration, which turned out to be a bit of a multicultural event.

Ruby Edwards, an Inuvialuit resident, dropped by with some family members.

"It's a proud day for the Gwich'in," said Archie Inglangasuk.

"We enjoy the company, and we love the Gwich'in. It's a good day to celebrate with them."

Ruth Wright said "it's good to be able to talk to people about it," she said. "Whether they're Gwich'in or not, it's good see all the people come out."

Teaching the youth about their culture

One of the first things she does on Gwich'in Day, Wright said, is talk to the children in attendance.

Many of them, she said, especially if they come from mixed marriages, tend to know rather little about the family lines, much less culture, and she likes to give them an introduction.

She was less enthusiastic when asked if, 23 years after the land-claim agreement was signed, things have improved that much for the Gwich'in nation.

"In 20-20 hindsight, there are lots of things we could have done differently and it's been a learning curve of sorts."

"We know a lot of mistakes have been made, and darn-tooting we'll never make them again. Or if we do make them again, people will bark and roar about it. We watch our leaders a lot more, we talk to them a lot more, and to regular people a lot more get their opinion."

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