Two Gwich’in Tribal Council directors call for more transparency

Two members of the Gwich’in Tribal Council’s board of directors are raising transparency concerns after requests to attend a meeting virtually were denied.

Kelly McLeod, president of the Nihtat Gwich’in Council, and Michael Greenland, president of the Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council, said Gwich’in participants were not allowed to virtually attend a recent two-day board meeting in Inuvik.

McLeod said his request to attend the meeting virtually was also denied as not all board members voted in favour and unanimous consent is required.

He said the meeting had been rescheduled to take place during personal travel he had already planned, and his request to move the meeting to another date was refused.

“We don’t believe the bylaws are being followed and we don’t believe good governance is happening,” McLeod told Cabin Radio last week.

Several people had commented under a Gwich’in Tribal Council Facebook post, which encouraged Gwich’in participants to attend the May 28-29 board meeting, questioning whether virtual attendance would be allowed. The tribal council replied that participants were welcome to attend in person.

McLeod and Greenland said previously, both participants and directors have been allowed to attend meetings virtually. They said they want to see the Gwich’in Tribal Council apply bylaws consistently and in a way that upholds Gwich’in values.

“It appears right now that rules are strict to exclude people from the meetings and loose when making big, transformative decisions,” McLeod said.

“The goal should always be to have meaningful discussions, and we have those tools available to us now to participate virtually. Let’s use them.”

“Covid showed us we could have meetings virtually and include everyone,” Greenland added. “We want to include our participants and let them know what’s going on.”

‘Face-to-face interactions are sacred’

The Gwich’in Tribal Council did not respond to Cabin Radio’s request for comment.

A statement posted to Facebook on Saturday, attributed to Grand Chief Frederick Blake Jr, stated bylaws only allow directors to attend board meetings virtually. He said meeting minutes, attendance, motions and agendas are made public once approved.

“Transparency is not just a Gwich’in value, it is our practice,” the statement read.

“In our culture, face-to-face interactions are sacred. They foster respect, understanding and unity. We are encouraging a return to in-person meetings whenever possible as traditional gatherings have always been the heart of how we lead, resolve and grow.

“The Gwich’in Tribal Council is moving forward with renewed strength, deep roots and a clear vision. Our people come first, always.”

Internal disputes

The recent concerns come amid ongoing conflict within the Gwich’in Tribal Council.

Disputes stemming from the election of a new grand chief and a February board meeting held in Edmonton have indicated division within the council. Blake and representatives of the Gwichya and Tetł’it Gwich’in councils appear to be on one side, with representatives of the Ehdiitat and Nihtat Gwich’in councils on the other.

In an NWT Supreme Court decision regarding the February board meeting dispute, the judge said the actions of board members at that meeting did not demonstrate good governance, while there was evidence others had taken deliberate actions aimed at preventing Blake from taking office.

She said she hoped her decision would deter anyone from engaging in bad behaviour going forward.

All parties have since formally agreed that Blake took office effective January 14, while other issues remain in contention.

“The goal is to ensure that our governance and our law is followed and right now we believe that it’s not, and unfortunately, we’ve found ourselves in courtrooms trying to get that direction,” McLeod said.

“We certainly hope to get to a place where we’re back working in unison, but that starts with individuals and their respect for one another.”