Inuvik (July 07/03) - When Gwich'in beneficiaries go to the polls this month, they'll have to choose from three candidates for president.

Incumbent Fred Carmichael is seeking a second four-year term. Challengers are Willard Hagen and James Robert, offering voters a variety of experiences.

Voting Time The election takes place on July 14 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Presidential candidates are Fred Carmichael, Willard Hagen and James Robert. Vice presidential candidates include Donald Andre, William R. Koe, Lawrence Norbert and Mary Ann Ross. Voters can check their ballot at polling stations located at Alex Moses Greenland Building in Inuvik, Chief Andrew Stewart Building in Aklavik, Charles Koe building in Fort McPherson and at the Community gymnasium in Tsiigehtchic.

After two-and-a-half years as the Gwich'in Tribal Council president, Fred Carmichael said he still has more to do.

"One of the reasons I'm running is because there are many things that still have to be done for people and I'd like the opportunity to finish those," said Carmichael, also the chair of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group.

During his term, the GTC made the first cash payment to beneficiaries -- giving $2 million to Gwich'in communities -- and saw its assets more than triple to $23.4 million.

"It's a way for me to help people," said Carmichael of what he likes about his job.

"I've always been into training young people. I trained some of the first pilots in the area and set an example for other aboriginals in the territories, including candidate Willard Hagen."

Carmichael has been criticized for chairing the APG while he also headed the Gwich'in council, but says he sees "no reason" why he can't represent both.

"I think it is very critical we make sure that with the pipeline or any other development that our people get the maximum benefit."

His future plans include completing a five-year strategic plan, review the GTC business policy and continue annual payments to beneficiaries.

Returning after seven years

Willard Hagen said he's back with fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

"I have been asked by a lot of community leaders because a lot of young people are disillusioned by a lack of jobs," said Hagen of his reason for stepping up.

Hagen, 53, was the GTC president from 1990-1996. He is best known for his work on the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, which was signed during his final term.

"I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the land claim and I want to see it going in a different direction."

Hagen said while the pipeline is important, he estimates only 1 per cent of Gwich'in beneficiaries will get jobs out of it. Getting more employment in the communities is number one on his list.

He said communication between the council and members needs to be improved.

"If I'm elected, I intend to build housing. There is a big housing need. We need to build houses for teachers and put infrastructure back in Fort McPherson."

He said the council needs to return to Fort McPherson -- the largest Gwich'in community -- which will also bring back jobs to the area.

For the first time

James Robert is a rookie politician. A 39-year-old father of three, he hails from Fort McPherson and said he wants things to change between the council and the membership.

"It's my first time running for anything," said Robert, a certified mechanic.

"If I was happy I wouldn't be running."

He said it's time for the next generation of leaders to come in and he wants to be at the forefront of that.

"I come from a community and I see what's going on -- people are unemployed," Robert said.

"I'm just an average person and I can talk to them and relate to them. The way it's run now people and the communities are fighting against each other," Robert said. "The in-house fighting is slowing us down from getting ahead."

He also wants Gwich'in businesses to hire more beneficiaries and increase jobs throughout the communities so young people won't have to leave home to find work.

Beneficiaries deserve more than the "pick and shovel jobs," Robert said.