2023 General Assembly Resolutions

ALL
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Showing 0 results
of 0 items.
highlight
Reset All
Filtering by:
Tag
close icon
1. Management Positions
Resolution 2023-01 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Vuntut customs, relationships and culture are unique;
  2. People, workers and working relationships are so valuable;
  3. It takes time to learn how things work on our traditional lands;
  4. Transition time is an important element of new staff coming on to the VGG workforce;
  5. It can be harmful when new employees make major decisions without a strong understanding of the community;
  6. The way our government handles employees is inconsistent;
  7. The current HR policy was influenced by the industrial sector;
  8. Feedback from managers to the HR policy was not included;
  9. There is a lack of understanding of how to support employees and build strong working relationships;
  10. When there is insecurity and chaos in the work environment, we cannot build consistent programming to meet the needs of our community;
  11. People and workers in our community are not disposable;
  12. VGG should value employees to retain staff and grow together;
  13. Employment affects the overall health and wellness of our community;
  14. There was very minimal engagement with staff;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGG establish a Human Resources Committee to deal with hiring, recruitment, conflict resolution, lateral violence, appeals;
  2. Review the impact of past disciplinary actions on VGG employees;
  3. Vuntut Gwitchin Government develop their own Human Resources Policy with consultation from the community and employees;
  4. There be education for all employees on the new Human Resources Policy;
  5. Onboarding procedures and HR policies be modified to state that incoming managers, directors and executive director have a learning period; and
  6. The revised Policy should be done as soon as possible.
2. Meaningful Community Consultation Policy and Procedures
Resolution 2023-02 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. There is a lack of meaningful community consultation;
  2. Policies are being implemented and legislation is moving forward without adequate community and employee consultation;
  3. This situation creates a disconnect between leadership and the Citizens;
  4. Elders and all Citizens should have their voices represented in consultation;
  5. Further consultation with the community is needed when policies impact the community directly such as Housing;
  6. Consultations are being presented without all the relevant information so Citizens can’t make informed decisions;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. A Meaningful Consultation Policy be developed and implemented with community and employee consultation;
  2. All current departmental policies, procedures and legislation need to be presented and reviewed with Citizens;
  3. Policies and procedures be made available to Citizens.
3. Elders Council
Resolution 2023-03 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Elders Council has an important role in our Government under the Constitution;
  2. Elders Council has no budget, staff or training or office space;
  3. VGG had created an Elders Executive Committee that is not part of the Constitution and this undermines our Constitution and gives only 6 Elders a voice;
  4. Elders want to represent themselves on the Elders Council;
  5. Elders Council should be at arms’ length from the Chief and Council and represent all Elders;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Elders Executive Committee be disbanded and the Elders Council be activated and supported immediately;
  2. The Elders Council will be given an operational budget for an executive director, executive assistant, training, travel, legal council and community consultation by December 2023;
  3. The Elders Council office will operate from the Community Hall office space and be able to access the Hall for meetings.
4. Establishing the Review Council
Resolution 2023-04 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Review Council is embedded in our Vuntut Gwitchin Constitution, our highest law;
  2. As per the Vuntut Gwitchin Constitution the Review Council has incredibly important duties including but not limited to: recounts in an election, complaints about Chief and Council, removal from office, and appointments of interim councillors;
  3. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government has never taken the necessary steps to enact the Review Council into operation as per the Vuntut Gwitchin Constitution;
  4. As per the Vuntut Gwitchin Constitution, the scope and authority of the Review Council shall be set out in the Governance Act and other related legislation;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Chief and Council establish a Constitution and legislation review committee with the purpose of setting forth the scope, rules of fairness, ethics, and authority of the Review Council as per the Vuntut Gwitchin Constitution;
  2. Be it further resolved that Chief and Council enact the Review Council into Vuntut Gwitchin law once the scope and authority has been set forth by the standing committee.
5. Salmon Management Plan
Resolution 2023-05 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. 2023 Salmon Council Resolutions of VGG imposed a total ban in Porcupine River drainage of all freshwater fishing;
  2. Yukon Salmon Sub Committee has recommended a voluntary salmon closure;
  3. YSSC has recommended 4-inch mesh for fishing for all Yukon First Nations because they understand the cultural, health and spiritual impacts of not fishing;
  4. Alaska Department has a 4-inch mesh regulation on the Alaska side for all subsistence fishing;
  5. All past Chiefs and Councils had pre-season and in-season meetings with Citizens regarding salmon stocks numbers in conjunction with Yukon Salmon Sub Committee, North Yukon Renewable Resources Council, DFO and came to a community decision;
  6. Resolution 2016-09 Salmon Management Plan was passed and is not being implemented;
  7. There are no accurate in-season management tools for VGG or other entities to make accurate in-season management decisions;
  8. The whitefish run was not considered in the ban and there is no compensation for fresh water fish;
  9. The distributed compensatory salmon is not enough;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Bring all entities together including Yukon Salmon Sub Committee, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Yukon River Panel, North Yukon Renewable Resources Council to discuss and strengthen the Salmon Management Plan including tools, enforcement, policies and procedures related to how much Citizens can fish and when, similar to the Porcupine Caribou Harvest Management Plan, and allow Citizens to give testimony to these bodies;
  2. Plan to establish an organization similar to the Gwich’in Steering Committee to collaborate with Indigenous communities in Alaska to advocate for Yukon River Salmon internationally, and implement international strategies, such as boycotts, that will impact profitability of large corporations regarding the salmon by-catch;
  3. Start this work immediately;
  4. Bring Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans, Yukon River Panel to Old Crow to have a meeting about salmon numbers.
6. Pre-GA Meeting
Resolution 2023-06 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The GA presents a huge amount of information;
  2. Citizens don’t have time to review all the information and not all the information is included in the packages sent to households;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government will hold a pre-GA meeting with all the information and documents (budgets, entities, reports, acts, legislation, etc.) that will be presented during the GA.
7. Chief Zzeh Gittlit School Education
Resolution 2023-07 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. There are high illiteracy rates amongst our youth;
  2. There has been a lack of teachers, educational assistants and support staff for the past several years;
  3. Classes have multiple grades per teacher which impacts their ability to teach the full required curriculum for students in each grade;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Chief and Council work with the First Nations School Board (Yukon government) and Yukon First Nations Education Directorate to fully staff our school with teachers, educational assistants, support staff, tutors;
  2. VGG Education allocate funds to provide additional support for the school to ensure every student receives what they need to obtain their academic or trade education.
8. Communications and Outreach Committee for Trusts and Boards
Resolution 2023-08 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. VGFN has many Trusts and Boards: Vuntut Gwitchin Trust, Vuntut Gwitchin Business Trust, Vuntut Development Corp, NR Committee on Oil and Gas, North Yukon Renewable Resources Council, Salmon Sub Committee, Porcupine Caribou Management Board, Gwich’in Steering Committee, Gwich’in Council International, Arctic Athabasca Council, Elders Council;
  2. It is challenging for our people to keep updated on the monthly business of these entities;
  3. It is hard to comprehend all of the information when it is presented annually at the GA;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGG establish a Communications and Outreach Committee to gather information from all the entities and present the information to Citizens quarterly;
  2. One member from each entity should sit on the Communications and Outreach Committee.
9. Protector of the Vuntut Gwitchin Investment Trust and Business Trust
Resolution 2023-09 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Vuntut Gwitchin membership has qualified individuals who can be protector of our Trusts;
  2. The role of protector is an opportunity for our own people to manage our Trusts;
  3. As Vuntut Gwitchin we need to start practicing and managing our own businesses and Trusts;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN General Assembly appoints the VGFN General Assembly as the protector of the Vuntut Gwitchin Trust and the Vuntut Gwitchin Business Trust on an interim basis until there is a review or new protector appointed;
  2. Council direct a review of the Trusts before the next GA including obtaining all necessary legal and taxation advice.
10. Chief and Council Re-instatement of NR Committee on Oil and Gas
Resolution 2023-10 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. There is an amendment to the Governance Act that is coming up for second reading before becoming legislation;
  2. Chief and Council has dissolved the current NR Committee on Oil and Gas;
  3. As a people we need to be involved in the decision making processes that impact our community;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Current Chief and Council re-instate the NR Committee on Oil and Gas;
  2. The NR Committee on Oil and Gas continue with the original members.
11. Chief and Council Representation on Boards
Resolution 2023-11 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Current Chief and Council are board members on Vuntut Development Corp and Air North Board;
  2. Board and committee members should not have political influence;
  3. Boards and Committees are established so that Citizens can be part of the decision making process and planning for their people;
  4. Having Citizens practice and manage boards and committees gives them capacity to continue to work for their people;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Chief and Council members who are representatives on boards will step down and appoint non-political Citizens as members on the board.
12. Support for Vuntut Gwitchin Children and Youth Living Outside of Old Crow
Resolution 2023-12 - Tabled
WHEREAS:
  1. Vuntut Gwitchin children and youth living outside of Old Crow do not receive support from the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation for sports and extracurricular activities;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government provide support to Vuntut Gwitchin children and youth across the country so they can participate in sports and extracurricular activities and alleviate the financial burden on families and caregivers.
13. Council Powers
Resolution 2023-13 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Chief and Council branch is embedded in our constitution, our highest law;
  2. The Chief and Councillors are awarded certain powers as per the Vuntut Gwitchin Constitution;
  3. Both our nation and our government are growing and our need for a fully functioning political body will only increase rather than decrease;
  4. Our government faces enormous pressures from third party interest which also demands that we have a fully functioning political body;
  5. Council needs to be continually trained or orientated in order to face these pressures;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Council is properly trained and orientated.
14. Language Resources
Resolution 2023-14 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Gwitchin language is referred to as Dinjii Zhuh K'yuu, which as a loose translation in a modern context means, The Gwitchin Way;
  2. This speaks to the fact that our language is more than just a way of communicating. It is a way of knowing, it was a way of showing, and it is a way of being;
  3. The Vuntut Gwitchin people have been completely indoctrinated by the language of the English, which is an analytic language on the opposite spectrum of Dinjii Zhuh K’yuu, which is a polysynthetic language;
  4. For this reason, our attempt to revitalize our language will be the most difficult task we have ever attempted;
  5. Current models for revitalization of our language are insufficient and will almost certainly be largely ineffective at a full revitalization of Dinjii Zhuh K’yuu;
  6. The amount of resources devoted to language revitalization are insufficient and will be largely ineffective at a full revitalization of Dinjii Zhuh K’yuu;
  7. There is currently not enough space to effectively revitalize language in a team environment where we will have the best opportunity at a full revitalization of Dinjii Zhuh K’yuu;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Chief and Council develop a standing committee made of the Heritage Manager, and all Heritage branch employees, which include two of the most highly fluent members of our community who are currently employed as language mentors and community members, for the purpose of developing a plan for full revitalization of our language;
  2. Council continue to seek out additional funding to accomplish this incredibly difficult task, in preparation for the recommendations set forth by the standing committee in charge of language revitalization.
15. Harm Reduction
Resolution 2023-15 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. VGG called a state of emergency for the ongoing opioid crisis;
  2. Harm reduction supports have not been expanded since the previous resolution in 2021;
  3. We need to have proactive supports in place rather than reactive measures;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGG renew its commitment to using harm reduction approaches when facing addictions and substance use for all VGFN Citizens in and outside our community;
  2. Promote knowledge and education about harm reduction;
  3. Ensure that information about harm reduction is accessible to everyone in the community and rooted in scientific research;
  4. Look into providing a safe supply of certain substances in the community in collaboration with Yukon government;
  5. Expand trained staff and community members to provide support to community members who struggle with substance use and addictions;
  6. VGG work with Yukon government and Canada on substance use response strategy;
  7. VGG work with YG to implement Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Implementation Plan.
16. Review Childcare Subsidy
Resolution 2023-16 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Many parents do not have consistent year-round childcare;
  2. Parents find creative childcare solutions in order to go to work;
  3. The childcare subsidy is dated and is not consistent with the cost of current childcare needs;
  4. Childcare work is so valuable and the people who are caring for our children should be valued as well and compensated appropriately;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGG review the childcare subsidy policy to reflect current childcare costs.
17. Advocacy for Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit
Resolution 2023-17 - Tabled
WHEREAS:
  1. The Gwich’in have led efforts to protect the Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit for decades in accordance with Gwich’in Niintsyaa (Resolution to Protect the Birthplace and Nursery Grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd);
  2. The Caribou Coordination Dept. of Vuntut Gwitchin Government (now Caribou Advocacy Office) was created through a resolution of the General Assembly in 1995 to coordinate efforts in seeking permanent protection of Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit;
  3. At the 2022 Biennial Gwich’in Gathering held in our community, the Gwich’in Nation amended and reaffirmed Gwich’in Niintsyaa in accordance with developments in International law;
  4. Our efforts to protect Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit are most successful when we keep this issue in the forefront for political leaders and the general public by using diverse voices from the community and implementing community-led tactics;
  5. We are at a critical point in our efforts with oil and gas leases issued and U.S. law which mandates an Oil and Gas Program;
  6. Our efforts have to adapt to changes in political, legal and technical landscapes;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government continues leading efforts to seek protection of Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit using legislative, technical, legal, corporate and public education strategies that reflect the changing political, legal and technical landscapes.
18. Constitution Review and Separation of Powers
Resolution 2023-18 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Vuntut Gwitchin laws are the highest laws of this land and give structure to our modern democracy;
  2. The late Chief Joe Linklater, who was heavily supported by our Elders of the time, put a lot of effort into separating powers from the political body, and giving those powers to the people for the forming of standing committees;
  3. Citizens have spoken of the need to review the VGFN Constitution and governance legislation;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. A Constitution and legislation review committee be struck to begin a review of the VGFN Constitution and related governance legislation including the roles and responsibilities of governing bodies and committees.
19. Infrastructure Planning
Resolution 2023-19 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Northern buildings require northern expertise in building;
  2. Community input in infrastructure design is critical for the long-term success of new buildings;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Community engagement including reviewing the current community development plan and zoning plan are needed for new infrastructure projects, including new buildings and upgrades to existing infrastructure especially heating systems;
  2. VGG work toward developing a 20-year capital plan that is based on integrated community sustainability.
20. Post-Secondary Education Funding
Resolution 2023-20 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Vuntut Gwitchin students work hard in their studies;
  2. There are significant barriers to attending post-secondary schools;
  3. Financial assistance from the Vuntut Gwitchin Government helps to reduce those barriers;
  4. Financial assistance be available in the form of loans, grants, and bursaries from Vuntut Gwitchin Government;
  5. Cost of materials have increased significantly over recent years;
  6. Cost of living including shelter, food, clothes, and transportation has also increased significantly;
  7. Post-secondary education includes academic and trade streams;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Support to Vuntut Gwitchin post-secondary students is a priority;
  2. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government adequately fund post-secondary students for tuition, materials, and cost of living;
  3. Post-secondary education includes academic and trades streams;
  4. Amounts should be generous to relieve financial pressure on students.
21. Records Management
Resolution 2023-21 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has generated a vast volume of records since the beginning of self-government;
  2. The records that have been generated are not organized and are difficult to track;
  3. Poor records management creates a challenge for transition between administrations;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The records system for Vuntut Gwitchin Government be modernized;
  2. The modernized records management system be an evolving system that continues to be updated.
22. Increase to Vuntut Gwitchin Government Borrowing Limits
Resolution 2023-22 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The business of Government costs money;
  2. Cost of materials and doing business has increased significantly in recent years;
  3. Quick access to cash allows government to continue to implement its mandate;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government should increase its borrowing limit to reflect current needs.
23. Vuntut Gwitchin Government Staffing and Mandates
Resolution 2023-23 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. There has been a lack of communication within the Vuntut Gwitchin Government organization;
  2. There has been a lack of staff meetings;
  3. VGG staff are public servants and need to know and understand their roles and responsibilities;
  4. The VGG needs to be staffed in order to fully function;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. There needs to be an all-staff meeting at least twice per year;
  2. The all-staff meeting needs to address roles and responsibilities;
  3. Chief and Council need to be a part of this process.
24. Increase to Social Assistance Rates
Resolution 2023-24 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Social Assistance Program has not been reviewed for many years and is not meeting the needs of individuals;
  2. The current social assistance rates are not sufficient;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Do a study on the cost of living for all VGFN Citizens in Old Crow and other communities to assess if people’s needs are being met by the amount of money they receive from social assistance;
  2. Social Assistance rates need to be increased including clothing allowance and furniture allowance;
  3. Staff need to be trained in Jordan’s Principle.
25. Acknowledgement, Commemoration and Redress for the 1911-1912 Surveying and Demarcation of the International Border between Yukon and Alaska
Resolution 2023-25 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. In 1911 and 1912, a joint Canada and United States party entered into and occupied VGFN Traditional Territory for the purpose of surveying and demarcating the international border between Yukon and Alaska without consulting VGFN or seeking VGFN’s free, prior and informed consent;
  2. The joint surveying and demarcating of the international border between Yukon and Alaska by Canada and the United States during 1911 and 1912 has had significant and ongoing impacts on the survival, dignity and well-being of VGFN, VGFN Citizens and all other Gwich’in within the Gwich’in Nation;
  3. VGFN oral histories and public archival research establish that between 1911 and 1912 VGFN and VGFN Citizens were subjected to cruel and unusual treatment by the occupying members of the joint Canada and United States party, including but not limited to the introduction and transmission of disease, forced bathings, harmful chemical fumigations, prolonged arrest and detention, loss of mobility, destruction of property, abusive behaviour, denial of VGFN collective and individual rights and neglect;
  4. The events of 1911 and 1912 and establishment of the international border between Yukon and Alaska directly led or contributed to the colonization of VGFN, VGFN Citizens and the VGFN Traditional Territory, including the dispossession and relocation of VGFN from portions of the VGFN Traditional Territory, the imposition and enforcement of colonial laws and regulations preventing the exercise of VGFN rights, and the removal of Vuntut Gwitchin children from VGFN Traditional Territory to Indian Residential Schools;
  5. Canada and the United States have never acknowledged wrongdoing or apologized to VGFN in relation to the joint surveying and demarcating of the international border between Yukon and Alaska, and have not taken measures to redress the wrongdoing and ensure that VGFN rights are respected;
  6. The shared history of 1911 and 1912 and impacts of the international border between Yukon and Alaska on VGFN has been suppressed for generations and is not sufficiently documented or understood by the public, including VGFN Citizens who are the descendants of survivors;
  7. Under Article I of the VGFN Constitution, the objectives of VGFN include to promote, enhance and protect VGFN history, culture, values, traditions and rights and to promote and enhance the general welfare of VGFN;
  8. Under the Gwich’in Nation Accord made July 22, 2022 in Old Crow, Yukon at the Gwich’in Gathering, “Gwiyiinji ILak Hah T’igweedi’yaa Sriinatr’igwihee’aa” (“We Will Act With One Mind To Make Things Right”) the Gwich’in Nation affirmed that: “We strive to remove the barriers that prevent the mobility of our people. We are one people with one homeland and expect free access to our homeland on both sides of the Canada/U.S. border.”;
  9. Article 36 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirms that VGFN has the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations and cooperation, including activities for spiritual, cultural, political, economic and social purposes, with VGFN Citizens as well as other Indigenous peoples across borders. Canada and the United States, in consultation and cooperation with VGFN, must take effective measures to facilitate the exercise and ensure the implementation of this right.
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government shall research, document, archive, publish, share and teach VGFN history related to the joint surveying and demarcating of the international border between Yukon and Alaska in VGFN Traditional Territory in 1911 and 1912 to ensure this significant period of VGFN’s history is understood and remembered into the future;
  2. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government shall work collaboratively with other Gwich’in governments and organizations to seek proper, fair and full redress from the governments of Canada and the United States for the joint surveying and demarcating of the international border between Yukon and Alaska in VGFN Traditional Territory in 1911 and 1912, including but not limited to:some text
    • acknowledgment of wrongdoing and formal apology to VGFN and other affected Gwich’in on behalf of Canada and the United States;
    • establishment of initiatives developed in consultation and cooperation with VGFN and other affected Gwich’in to describe, understand and commemorate the shared history of 1911 and 1912;
    • agreed upon forms of redress for the past violations and denial of VGFN rights by Canada and the United States related to the surveying and demarcating of the international border between Yukon and Alaska in VGFN Traditional Territory in 1911 and 1912;
    • legal implementation of VGFN’s rights to self-determination, including the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations and cooperation by Canada and the United States, including activities for spiritual, cultural, political, economic and social purposes, with their own VGFN Citizens as well as other Indigenous peoples across the Yukon and Alaska border.
26. Business Entities and Trusts Review
Resolution 2023-26 - Tabled
WHEREAS:
  1. The development corporation business entities have been set up 15 to 20 years ago;
  2. The business entities including the Vuntut Gwitchin Trust and Vuntut Gwitchin Business Trust may need updating to the processes and deed of settlement (mission, rules of operation);
  3. Citizens are seeking clarity on who sits on the boards of the different entities;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. All business entities and advisors including legal advisors meet to review and hold a discussion and engagement with the community on the structure, processes, laws, and general organization of the business entities.
27. Citizen Enhancement Fund
Resolution 2023- 27 - Tabled
WHEREAS:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has been investing in and supporting business entities for many years;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The VGFN Chief and Council work with the business entities to establish a fund for Citizens;
  2. The fund could be application based, and based on criteria for adults to advance their health, wellness, winter clothing, and recreational pursuits (such as sewing material).
28. Duration of GA Extended to Five Days
Resolution 2023-28 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has a lot of business to review each year at the General Assembly;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The VGFN General Assembly shall meet twice per year.
  2. The Constitution and legislation review committee propose recommended amendments to the timing of when the VGFN General Assembly must occur.
29. Improvement in Community Governance and Chief Accountability
Resolution 2023-29 - Tabled
WHEREAS:
  1. The only mechanisms afforded by the VGFN constitution to hold the Chief accountable are removal by way of guilt of an indictable offense, missing three consecutive scheduled meetings of council or resignation;
  2. The VGFN is exposed legally to rogue Chiefs that have no legal obligation to the people that have elected them;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Constitutional amendments be tabled at the next General Assembly that allow for community to call in-camera meetings with the Chief or any council member by petition of a 25 person threshold of Citizens;
  2. An agenda must be provided in the petition for requested meeting;
  3. The petition must be presented at a Council meeting.
30. Creation of a Vuntut Gwitchin Public Service Act Modeled on the Yukon Public Service Act and Focused on Gwitchin Values and Priorities
Resolution 2023-30 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Yukon Public Service Act provides a comprehensive framework for public services in the Yukon Territory;
  2. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation recognizes the importance of establishing its own legislative framework for public services that aligns with its cultural values and priorities;
  3. The incorporation of Gwitchin values and priorities into such a framework would better serve the needs and aspirations of the Vuntut Gwitchin community;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government through the Constitution and legislation review committee shall consider developing a Public Service Act, drawing inspiration from the existing Yukon Public Service Act;
  2. This new Public Service Act shall be developed in consultation with community members, elders, and experts to ensure it reflects Gwitchin values and priorities;
  3. A draft of the new Public Service Act shall be approved by Council through the legislative process, which includes standing committee and citizen consultation process.
31. 2022-2027 VGG Strategic Plan
Resolution 2023-31 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The development of a 2022-2027 VGG Strategic Plan was passed by Council resolution in 2022 after two years of development;
  2. From GA resolution 2022-6, “...the strategic plan provides a strong foundation for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of VGG's administration, management and operations and delivery of programs and services for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) Citizens”;
  3. Extensive consultation with VGG staff and Citizens occurred throughout its development;
  4. GA resolution 2022-6 provided VGFN Council direction to implement the strategic plan;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Council continue to implement the officially approved 2022-2027 VGG Strategic Plan in its original intended state;
  2. Any changes to the officially approved 2022-2027 VGG Strategic Plan be done in consultation with VGG staff and VGFN Citizens.
32. Conflict of Interest
Resolution 2023-32 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin is a small self-governing First Nation with many of its members actively participating at all levels of governance;
  2. Citizens elected and/or appointed to positions where confidentiality and decision-making are necessary to carrying out the business of VGFN will naturally encounter conflict situations;
  3. Conflict of interest situations that lack proper process can negatively impact good governance and VGFN health and wellbeing;
  4. Having strong conflict of interest guidelines and code of conduct is important for any Government to ensure good governance and due diligence;
  5. Our Government has had issues with conflict of interest in the past and continues to have issues with conflict of interest not being declared and code of conduct not being followed;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGG through the Constitution and legislation review committee develop a conflict of interest policy or legislation that sets out a clear and transparent process of how to manage conflict of interest;
  2. This policy or legislation is to be developed in consultation with Citizens, committees, and supported with experienced technical people by 2024;
  3. That the policy or legislation include the appointment of an impartial Conflict of Interest Commissioner to review all conflict of interest disclosures from Chief and Council, Senior Management, and Directors of Corporations.
33. Develop and Approve Council Process and Conduct
Resolution 2023-33 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. VGFN Council is entrusted with the welfare of its Citizens in a manner consistent with the Constitution and have sworn an oath “...to secure the well being of the people, and to provide good, effective, and accountable government for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation”;
  2. As expressed at the 2023 GA, Council is experiencing challenges that are impacting the government and community and causing harm;
  3. Citizens need a healthy and functioning Council where VGFN business is addressed in a good way, where voices are heard and accommodated within decision-making processes;
  4. There currently exists a draft Council Code of Conduct that has been approved;
  5. Citizens need to support leadership, but leadership must also support their Citizens without interference in administration matters that are implemented in fair and transparent processes that are informed by proper consultation;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Council must work with Elders Council and other experts to address the current issues on Council;
  2. VGG develop and approve a Code of Conduct for all branches of government in consultation with the community by end of 2024.
34. Mandatory Council Transition Process
Resolution 2023-34 - Deferred
WHEREAS:
  1. Council transition is an important period for outgoing and incoming Councils to transfer important government business to ensure proper understanding, continuity and consistency;
  2. The lack of a proper Council transition can cause significant disruption to VGG operations and relationships;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGG develop a Council transition process that is mandatory for all future Councils participate in.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
ABout
Our First Nation
Our Homeland
Our Language
Calendars
Chief and Council
Departments
Recreation
General Assembly
General Assembly
Resolutions
Resources
Main Library
Newsletter
Careers
Contact
Directory
Media Inquiries
VISIT US ON facebook!
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Receive regular updates from Council and the departments.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
© 2024 Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation