Message from the Chief

Drin Gwiinzii Shalak Naii,

Since we began our term in office in January 2023, Chief and Council has prioritized measures to support the mental health and wellness of our community; balance the government’s budget; develop and implement fair and clearly defined policies for the Administration; and build up the branches of government envisioned by our Constitution.

We have taken a number of steps to address the substance use crisis by providing access to treatment options, ensuring consistent counselling and aftercare support in Old Crow, and successfully lobbying the federal and territorial government for more funding.

The achievement of a balanced budget with the approval of the First Appropriation Act 2024-05 in March of this year was a turning point. We now have control of our financial future and can make decisions solely for the benefit of present and future generations of Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens.

The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution wisely laid out the terms for establishing a government with shared input from multiple branches, including Chief and Council, an Elders Council, and a Review Council.

We have begun the work of building up the branches of our government through the establishment of a Constitutional Review and Legislation Development Committee.

As Chief and Council, we are accountable to our Citizens and responsible for the general welfare and good government of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. To uphold this, we are committed to working in a respectful, transparent way that is representative of Gwich’in values.

We have a positive vision for the future of Old Crow and for Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens, one celebrates our traditions, language and culture; meets local housing needs; ensures access to mental health and addictions programs; and creates opportunities for our Citizens to participate in a vibrant local economy. It is our goal to see all of our Citizens thrive and succeed.

Mahsi’ choo shalak naii,
Chief Pauline Frost

Pauline Frost

Chief

Chief Pauline Frost is one of seven children born to Donald and Alice Frost and is descendent of the Njootli and Moses families. Chief Frost believes that everyone deserves to be given an opportunity to participate in a truly democratic government, one that is rooted in our culture and traditional teachings, while acknowledging the good work of our ancestors and our predecessors. This guides her in the work of representing Vuntut Gwitchin people locally, nationally and internationally.

Chief Frost has always kept her Gwich’in cultural connections strong, while dedicating her career to furthering the interests of the Vuntut Gwitchin. Before being elected VGFN Chief, she was elected as the Liberal MLA in the Vuntut Gwitchin electoral district, and served as Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister of the Environment, and Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation. Chief Frost has also worked for VGFN as the nations’ negotiator and intergovernmental coordinator, and served as Chair of the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee.

Harold Frost Jr.

Deputy Chief

Deputy Chief Harold Frost Jr. is the eldest son of Teresa and Harold Frost. A descendant of the Frost, Blackfox and Nehtruh families, Harold has a strong connection throughout the Gwich’in Nation with families in Alaska through his Grandparents Phillip and Mary ‘Abbie’ Peter, and Arthur and Annie James.

As a trapper, hunter and dog musher, Deputy Chief lives a traditional lifestyle and is committed to his family and community, and to promoting Vuntut Gwich’in traditions, customs, laws, culture and language. Deputy Chief ran for council because of his desire to make difference in health and wellness of our Vuntut people, and to contribute to a healthier future for the Vuntut Gwich’in Nation.