INUVIK
It was a grand day for celebrating the 22nd Gwich'in Day April 22 in Inuvik.

Fred Koe, a staff member of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, was one of the chefs whipping up some traditional country food during the 22nd Gwich'in Day festivities April 22. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

The festivities were held under what Alpine skiers like to call a ''bluebird day'' of blue skies and warm temperatures. The date marks the anniversary that the Gwich'in people signed their comprehensive land-claim agreement with the federal government and the GNWT.

The agreement gave the Gwich'in people in Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik and Inuvik title to 22,422 square kilometres of land in the NWT and another 1,554 square kilometres of land in the Yukon Territory, which spans their traditional territory.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Gwich'in people also received $141 million in tax-free capital transfers over 15 years, and they are also paid an annual share of royalties collected by the Government of Canada from resource development in the Mackenzie Valley.

As well, the agreement provided hunting, fishing and trapping rights throughout the Gwich'in Settlement Area.

The Gwich'in also have guaranteed representation on organizations that help manage wildlife and the environment in the Gwich'in Settlement Area, and can negotiate self-government agreements with the NWT and federal government. Those discussions are ongoing.

Dozens of people turned out to attend Gwich'in Day, which was held at the Gwich'in Tribal Council property downtown. The draw was both the celebration of the day and the aroma of the various foods being offered.

Tom Wright, a Gwich'in elder with a long record of political service, said he was always glad to mark the day, although he wished it was better attended.

"It's a time to celebrate the day we signed the agreement," he said. "But it seems like it's getting smaller and smaller. It should mean more than it does to people. I think it's a little taken for granted."

Fred Koe, a staff member with the Gwich'in Tribal Council, said he was gratified and thankful to celebrate the day.

"It's a fairly good turnout," he said, as he barbecued some succulent whitefish. "And this time of year there's always a renewed energy."

Koe noted the Gwich'in community had "lost a few members recently, so this was another way of honouring them."

"It's awesome, because it's our day," said youngster Julienne Chipesia.

Among the visiting dignitaries was longtime politician and activist Charlie Furlong, the mayor of Aklavik and a former chief of the hamlet.

"It's a day for recognizing the accomplishments of 1992," he said. "We had a few hurdles along the way."

"It's a time to set aside the politics for a day and just relax," he added. "We've come a long ways."