Yellowknife (Dec 15/03) - Gwich'in beneficiaries will be getting some extra cash for Christmas with the approval of an annual capital distribution, Dec. 9.

The 1,800 cheques will be in the mail Dec. 15. Each beneficiary over 19-years-old will get a minimum payment of $200, tax-free.

This will be the first time any Gwich'in beneficiary has received an annual payment, said Tom Williams, chief executive officer for the Gwich'in Tribal Council.

"It is definitely a milestone and beneficiaries will be happy to hear it," said Williams.

Last May beneficiaries also received a one-time payment of $400 each.

Payments for beneficiaries under 19 will be held in the Gwich'in Children's Trust until they come of age. The payments may increase if profits are good, said Williams.