Transparency and friction as Gwich’in assembly continues

Day two of the Gwich’in Tribal Council Annual Assembly focused on transparency, accountability and friction over the contents of reports delivered to delegates.

Grand Chief Frederick Blake Jr, sworn in at the end of January, told delegates while delays in the transition process may have slowed the start of his work, it did not weaken his determination to serve.

“This past year has been one of change, challenge and progress,” he said. “I have worked to rebuild relationships, listen to participants and present our interests locally, territorially, and nationally.”

The grand chief addressed ongoing negotiations around land claims and self-government, stating “these talks are not easy, but we are committed to moving forward together with unity and clarity, not pretend the road has been smooth.”

“There are still challenges, some from outside and from within, but every step forward is built on collaboration, unity and strength. We are overcoming barriers and returning our focus to what matters,” he added.

According to him, the GTC’s board recently approved $2.5 million for Aklavik and Tsiigehtchic to support new office buildings, adding that transfer should take place within the month.

Blake said other funding streams are also being reviewed, including about $500,000 under lands that must be spent by November. He said the department was trying to assess the needs of each of the four communities that have Designated Gwich’in Organizations: Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik, Inuvik and Fort McPherson.

While Tsiigehtchic already received its share of harvesting funding, he said, roughly $600,000 will be divided between the other three communities.

“We’re going through all the agreements that we have to see whether it’s funding or anything that we could spread out to the communities,” he said, “because that was the whole intent of when I first sat on the board.”

Blake acknowledged his first few months in office had been challenging.

“It took a little time to figure it out but with this role here, I met with all the department heads who brought me up to speed on what they were working with, which really helped a lot. It just takes a little time,” he said.

‘Disruptive and complex’ year

Brenda McDonald, recently appointed the GTC’s interim chief executive officer, shared her professional journey in an emotional speech and reflected on experiences that shaped her leadership.

Looking ahead, McDonald said she wants to work with the grand chief and GTC board “to strengthen governance, secure new funding and pursue economic initiatives that benefit our people here at home.”

She said transparency would be a “central focus” in her role.

From Thursday: Assembly discusses forensic audit

Chief financial officer Mark Roth said the GTC faced an “extraordinary transition,” with governance challenges earlier in the year creating a “protracted period of uncertainty” around oversight.

Roth said critical vacancies in finance and human resources were another obstacle. Describing the previous year as “disruptive and complex,” he said it also demonstrated the “resilience, dedication and professionalism” of both the finance team and GTC staff as a whole.

“We have also begun addressing governance and compliance issues at Gwich’in Development Corporation,” he said during a presentation.

“The late 2024 amalgamation effort between three entities intended to consolidate assets, liabilities and operations was ultimately poorly executed, resulting in a new corporate entity that was not legally functional for much of the physical year because it had no bylaws in the amalgamated entity.

“This failure required the replacement of the entire GDC board and senior management team. In response, we are planning a forensic audit to uncover the root causes of these failures and to restore transparency, accountability and the confidence in future development core operations.”

Toward the end of his report, Roth said past decisions may have been made solely by the chief financial officer, but going forward he intended to adopt a more collaborative approach – a remark that drew criticism from former GTC chief executive officer Jamie Koe.

Koe said the comment did not align with his Gwich’in values, particularly since the leadership at which it was directed was not present in the room. He also inquired about the part of the report mentioning “replacement of the entire GDC board.”

More: Read the GTC’s 2024-25 annual report

Blake clarified that the board hadn’t been replaced. Instead, he said, three members had been appointed by stakeholders but one chose not to proceed, leaving two new members. He added the board also recommended a review of its existing members.

“This report clearly states that the entire GDC board and senior management team have been replaced,” Koe replied. In February, he was dismissed from his role as GTC chief executive officer following a disputed board meeting in Edmonton.

“I only ask it from an HR standpoint, an exposure standpoint, where we’ve made these announcements in a public report here today.”

Roth said his comments were meant to address the legal process required to give amalgamation proper effect. He added there had been no final decision on the roles of existing board members.

‘Pointed comments’

Kelly McLeod of the Nihtat Gwich’in Council said the annual report made “pointed comments” about departments, past boards and a past chief financial officer.

Those comments were “news to me,” McLeod said.

“I know one of the board of directors personally has undergone some serious medical events in the last three months. I’m aware that not one person has reached out to that individual, and it deeply troubles me.

“We, for a number of years, have run with limited resources, with limited staff, with smaller boards, people taking cuts in honorariums, people doing what they need to do to see our nation succeed. This report does not seem to give a recognition to that.”

McLeod said individuals mentioned in the report were framed in a way that could be considered “lateral violence.” After one delegate raised a point of order on the use of that term, he said it was defined by a person’s own interpretation.

Jordan Peterson of Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council said he recognized the challenges the grand chief and other staff members had gone through over the last year.

Peterson noted he wanted to see reports that did not “tear down past leaders and staff.”

“I’m struggling with this report, having been on the other side of the table reporting to this general assembly, and knowing what that all comes with. It’s not easy,” he said.

Mavis Clark of Gwichya Gwich’in Council alleged the forensic audit was stalled for months because the Gwich’in Development Corporation did not want to hand over financial records.

Clark said some Gwichya Gwich’in employees did not get paid for six months and continued working in the office.

“We did a lot of hard work without the help from our Gwich’in Tribal Council,” she said.

Later in the session, delegates heard from new chief operating officer Juliet Miranda and Gwich’in Settlement Corporation chair Kevin Koe.

That followed a discussion on treaty modernization and self-government processes, while a participants’ forum also took place.