The Gwich’in Tribal Council has appointed an interim grand chief until a court case regarding its recent election has concluded.
In a Monday news release, the tribal council’s board of directors announced that it had appointed Michael Greenland, president of the Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council, as interim grand chief.
It said Greenland will hold the position until the NWT Supreme Court makes a decision in the case and any further election processes resulting from that decision have ended.
Frederick Blake Jr, who won last month’s election for grand chief, is challenging the Gwich’in Tribal Council’s decision to overturn the result and hold a new election.
The NWT Supreme Court has ruled that incumbent Ken Kyikavichik cannot act as grand chief until the case concludes. The Gwich’in Tribal Council has also agreed to not hold a new election while the case is ongoing.
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The board of directors said while the tribal council is “in a transitional period” it is working to ensure it “continues to operate in a fair and transparent manner” and offers programs and services.
“The board looks forward to working through the current court process while supporting all Gwich’in participants,” it stated in Monday’s press release.
A full-day hearing on the court challenge is set to take place on October 30.
