Gwich'in gather, honour their leaders
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Dec 08/00) - The cost and rewards of leadership were discussed during a Gwich'in feast and dance here Friday.
Chief James Firth of the Inuvik Native Band was among the Gwich'in leaders honoured during the evening. He recalled being at Ingamo Hall 10 years ago when he first became chief, and someone warned him that it was a thankless job.
Firth said it isn't a thankless job, and that it's especially rewarding to see people smiling. He said that when people are behind you, it's an easy job.
"Behind every leader there's a lot of good people," Firth said. "I have my family behind me. But more than that, there's a lot of people in the community that you can always depend on."
Chief Charlie Furlong of Aklavik said it's a struggle being a leader, and a 24-hour-a-day job.
"You hear a lot of criticism and you wonder what you're doing wrong. You're always needing help," Furlong said.
Echoing Firth's comments, Furlong said, "It's one thing about the Gwich'in people. They're very capable of doing things when they want to do it. I know it. I've seen it. I've experienced it."
Abe Wilson of Fort McPherson said he's received a lot of support from his community, and that it has been an honour to work with fellow chiefs from Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic and Aklavik.
Fred Carmichael, new president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, was also honoured. Gifts were also to be presented to former president Richard Nerysoo, as well as Peter Ross. Both men were unable to attend.
Barry Campbell, sub-chief with the Inuvik Native Band, helped organize the gathering. He and others said it would be good for the Gwich'in to hold similar meetings in the future.
