Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 3, 2007

TSIIGEHTCHIC - As modernity instills itself in the Gwich'in lifestyle, six beneficiaries were recognized by the tribal council last month for their contributions in helping their people along this path of change.

One of those recipients was Peter Ross, who served two terms as chief of Tsiigehtchic from 1989 to 1994 and from 2000 up until June of this year.

"In my lifetime, I've seen a lot of changes," said Ross. "From traditional lifestyles, our economy was trapping. Then the industry came and people started working for wages."

As chief, Ross helped negotiate the land claim settlement in 1992. Once he stepped down in 1994, he was involved with the renewable resource council, the band council, and the charter community council. In 2000, Ross was asked to run again as chief.

"I do the best I can for them, to make changes," said Ross. "I want to see a better community for the people."

As he steps down, Ross passes along the torch to another generation, like recipient Bobbie Rose Koe of Fort McPherson. At just 18-years-old, Koe was recognized for her contribution to Gwich'in Youth.

Adding to the political changes Ross has dealt with, Koe has turned her attention to the effects that climate change is bringing to the region.

Koe took part in an ice expedition to explore the effects of climate change with a group of other students this summer.

"I didn't even know about climate change when I started," said Koe. "It's effecting the whole world, even around here."

Koe also just got back from accompanying researcher Nathan Miller, catching and studying Arctic char at the Vittrekwa River.

For the rest of her summer, she's been working at the Nitainlaii National Park, giving information to tourists on the land and the community.

Although she is part of a younger generation, Koe still carries an appreciation for living out on the land.

"You breathe good air, you catch good food. It's good medicine," said Koe.

The two were recognized along with Mary Snowshoe, of Fort McPherson, for her contribution to Gwich'in language, Margaret Nazon, of Inuvik, for Gwich'in Art, Culture and Heritage, Greta Sittichinli, of Inuvik, for achievements in education, and Caroline Kay, an elder of For McPherson, for a lifetime of Gwich'in achievement.

The six recipients were chosen by a committee, chaired by Mary Ann Ross, the vice-president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council. The committee was formed with representatives from each community, who decided who would receive the awards.

"It's for the people, by the people," said Ross. "We wanted them to decide who they wanted to choose from the community."

Ross said the awards were fashioned after the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

"They become mentors, people to look up to. The stories of their lives are interesting."

This is the third year the Gwich'in Tribal Council, in conjunction with the Gwich'in Development Corporation, presented the awards.