Carmichael preparing for Annual General Assembly
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Nov 17/00) - The need for unity and co-operation are being stressed by the new president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council.
Fred Carmichael says he looks forward to working with the board and the Gwich'in people. He took office last Friday, after winning election over incumbent Richard Nerysoo.
"My whole platform was on unity, bringing the people together," Carmichael said Monday.
"I've already had two board meetings with all the chiefs from the four communities, and the board of the Gwich'in Tribal Council -- very, very good response."
People were ready for a change, Carmichael said, but he did not criticize Nerysoo's record as leader.
"Everyone in these positions do the best job they can, and I think Richard's done a pretty good job."
For his part, Nerysoo said, "The decision is made and that's fine. The leader is chosen, and that's the decision of the people. I leave it at that."
Carmichael, who was elected to a two-year term, said another thing in his favour is that he's well known in the area. He is a pilot and has owned or managed air businesses for more than 40 years. He was a founding member, and is now an honourary life member, of the Northern Air Transport Association.
This is Carmichael's first term on the Gwich'in Tribal Council board. He has served on Inuvik Town Council, and was a board member of the Metis Development Corporation, NWT Housing Corporation and the Western Arctic Visitors Association.
Carmichael was born in Aklavik but has lived in Inuvik since about 1960.
The new president said this year's Annual General Assembly in Fort McPherson will "try and map out what we're going to be doing, what we want to accomplish in the next two years. "I've got my ideas, and I'm sure the board has many of their own ideas."
