Ken Kyikavichik has made a lot of waves as head of the Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC), but says there is a lot more work to be done.
The incumbent GTC grand chief is seeking a second term, saying he wants to build on the work he's done over the past four years. The election is set for Aug. 19.
Among the accomplishments Kyikavichik said he is most proud of, he listed the improved financial standing of the GTC SA国际影视传媒� having $80 million more in assets today than it did four years ago SA国际影视传媒� as well as getting the Gwich'in Development Corporation (GDC) back into the black.
"For the first couple years of my first term, much of it was spent reviewing and updating policies and procedures for our entire organization while also undertaking an overhaul of our organizational structure," he said. "We now have a team at the GTC and GDC in place to continue delivering on what we started back in 2020.
"ISA国际影视传媒檓 excited at the prospect of continuing the momentum that we have built for the benefit of our GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n participants who reside both inside and outside of the GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n Settlement Area."
The other major focus he highlighted is his work in cultural preservation, including initiatives to preserve and strengthen Gwich'in dialects across the Gwich'in Settlement Area and helping people across the Beaufort Delta access traditional means of healing and self-care on the land by restarting the Gwich'in wellness camp. Under his watch, the GTC is also building 20 homes in three communities to begin to address the region's housing needs.
Kyikavichik added he would like to expand the home-building initiative to a total of 50 houses.
Improving access to healthcare, including mental health and addiction supports, is a key issue going forward, said Kyikavichik, which ties in with supporting and strengthening Gwich'in cultural values.
Another issue facing the Gwich'in Settlement Area, Kyikavichik noted, is the condition of the lone road connecting the Beaufort Delta to the rest of Canada, saying he would advocate for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway.
He said he wants to establish more programming for language preservation and revitalization and further work on documenting Gwich'in history and tradition. He added that he would advocate for more modern job-oriented programming and expand services available at the Gwich'in Wellness Camp.
Kyikavichik said he's learned a lot in his time as grand chief, particularly the importance of communication.
"There is also a need for our educated and experienced participants to start getting involved in our organization," he said. "We deal with a lot of money and there is management required for our entire organization from the GTC down to our community-based GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n councils, or DGOs as they are more commonly known. Like anything, without the proper personnel and leadership, we will not get to where we need to get to without the proper people, processes and systems in place to make us successful.
"I see a very prosperous future for our nation. Backed by the finalization of negotiations on our regional Dinjii Zhuh government, I envision a future where we have a strong GDC that is creating jobs and making money for our people. I would like to see our young people not only trained and educated but also possessing a firm knowledge of our GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n values and language. Ultimately, I see a healthier nation into the future where our participants can truly say they are proud to be GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n."
