2024 General Assembly Resolutions

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1. Authorization to Enforce Fishing Closures
Resolution GA2024-01 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. VGFN Citizens rely on fishing for their subsistence and cultural practices;
  2. VGFN has an inherent right to manage its own fisheries within the VGFN traditional territory;
  3. Due to climate change and commercial fishing, the Chinook salmon and chum populations have been declining; and
  4. VGFN Citizens have the responsibility to protect the natural resources within VGFN traditional territory;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Chief and Council shall grant the Department of Natural Resources and Heritage’s Land Guardians and Game Guardians the authorization to enforce equipment restrictions with prior notice and consultation with VGFN Citizens, including by removing fishing equipment from the Porcupine River and its tributaries during any fishery restrictions; and
  2. VGFN will provide learning opportunities on and demonstrations of traditional fishing practices; and
  3. VGFN should promote the protection of salmon at national and international tables.
2. Traditional Governance Options
Resolution GA2024-02 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The current VGFN election system was imposed by Canada’s colonial Indian Affairs department;
  2. The current system has a number of issues including low numbers of candidates running, acclamation and appointments:
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Constitution and Legislation Review Committee mandate be revised to include research into traditional Vuntut Gwitchin governance, research other Indigenous structures and systems that recognize representation of families, and
  2. Present options and recommendations for the 2025 General Assembly.
3. Employment Legislation
Resolution GA2024-03 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. VGFN is a unique government with unique human resources needs;
  2. Although VGFN is self-governing, VGFN employment is still federally regulated by the Canada Labour Code and does not have mechanisms to deviate from the requirements under the Canada Labour Code; and
  3. VGFN may displace or replace the Canada Labour Code by enacting VGFN employment legislation under its self-government authority;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The VGFN Council and Administration work with the Constitution Review and Legislation Development Committee and VGFN Citizens to draft VGFN employment legislation that reflects the unique and specific culture and circumstance of VGFN.
4. Naming the Health and Wellness Centre in Old Crow
Resolution GA2024-04 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. There is a new Health and Wellness Centre in Old Crow that is operational;
  2. The Government of Yukon has asked that VGFN name the Health and Wellness Centre;
  3. VGFN received two suggestions from the Heritage Committee for names and these were discussed at the General Assembly;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Health and Wellness Centre in Old Crow be named Natr’idizhii Srii Tr’agwandaii Hah Zheh (Place for Healing and Wellness); and
  2. Plaques with stories be displayed in the new centre to recognize VGFN Citizens who have done good work in the health area.
5. Wellness in Community
Resolution GA2024-05 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. VGFN endeavors to promote the health and wellness of VGFN Citizens;
  2. VGFN Citizens need to have access to events around their culture and traditional activities; and
  3. VGFN Citizens would like to hire and train more personnel to deliver wellness programming, events, and activities;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN will increase funding for on the land programming and distribute it to VGFN Citizens based on their financial needs;
  2. VGFN will seek funding from its entities for this programming;
  3. VGFN will hire:
  • a proposal writing coordinator,
  • an events coordinator,
  • First Nations counsellors,
  • Vuntut Gwitchin cooks, and
  • Vuntut Gwitchin cook helpers;
  1. VGFN will provide training in event coordination through Yukon University to the hired employees;
  2. VGFN will provide training, including trauma-informed care, for health providers for people who are dealing with substance use;
  3. As per the Human Resources Policies Manual (2024), qualifying VGFN Citizens and Indigenous peoples will receive priority consideration;
  4. VGFN will provide effective aftercare programming and support for people when they return to the community;
  5. The personnel hired by VGFN will organize cultural camps and trainings in traditional activities,
    such as:
  • cultural camps for Youth, Elders, Middle Age, Mothers, and Fathers,
  • traditional camping at Tl’oo K’at,
  • seasonal traditional pursuits,
  • hunting camp in Spring and Fall,
  • salmon camp,
  • fish camp in Spring time,
  • traditional medicine,
  • trainings in canning foods,
  • sewing circle with healing talks with Youth and Elders,
  • snowshoe making, and
  • learning how to harvest caribou and cut-up, dry, and store caribou meat.
6. Reduce Barriers for Citizens Voting Long-Distance
Resolution GA2024-06 - Passed by majority
WHEREAS:
  1. The Constitution Review and Legislation Development Committee (Committee) established by VGFN is reviewing the Elections Act;
  2. VGFN Citizens would like the Committee to prioritize the strengthening of voting rights for Citizens regardless of the location of their residency; 
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN will create opportunities for voting for VGFN Citizens living outside of Old Crow and Whitehorse by utilizing best practices and allowing other methods of voting such as creating an online voting system.
7. Review the Roles of Chief and Council - Two Leader System
Resolution GA2024-07 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Constitution Review and Legislation Development Committee (Committee) established by VGFN is reviewing the Constitution;
  2. VGFN Citizens would like to explore dividing local and intergovernmental responsibilities between two leaders within Chief and Council;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Committee will review the roles of Chief and Council and consider defining one leader as being responsible and directly accountable to the Community and the other leader as being responsible for the intergovernmental affairs of VGFN.
8. Our Homelands in Dempster
Resolution GA2024-08 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. VGFN needs to have eyes and ears on the ground in the Dempster;
  2. VGFN lacks a presence in the Dempster, including personnel and basic signage;
  3. People from all over the North, Canada, and the world come to VGFN’s homeland to harvest;
  4. It is important to track harvesting in the Dempster;
  5. Some people traveling along the Dempster have illegally disposed of waste and garbage without repercussions;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN is to install signage along the Dempster with the VGFN flag, Rules of Conduct, interpretive information, place name signage, information on VGFN, warnings against dumping sewage, and information on harvesting protocols;
  2. VGFN will extend the Land Guardian program to include patrols on the Dempster in the Spring and the Fall;
  3. VGFN will provide Youth with mentorship opportunities and the opportunity to participate in the Dempster patrols with the Land Guardians;
  4. VGFN’s administration will consult with the community to develop a plan to establish VGFN’s presence in the Dempster.
9. Rejoining Council of Yukon First Nations as a Full Member
Resolution GA2024-09 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) was formed in 1973 (formally known as Council for Yukon Indians) originally as a land claims negotiations organization and has since evolved to become a strong political voice and an institution that delivers a broad range of important programs.
  2. CYFN delivers many programs and services including family preservation services, health programming—including being the secretariat for the health transformation process currently underway, justice programming, and is home to the Yukon Native Language Centre.
  3. CYFN Leadership is made up of 13 member Nations (nine Yukon First Nations and the four Gwich’in Nations from the Northwest Territories). Leadership also includes several First Nations, including the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, that are not full members but are able to participate in discussions but not vote. 
  4. Vuntut Gwitchin are strong voices at the CYFN Leadership table even with our lessor status. Current and past Chiefs have been part of and have chaired several Chiefs committees, and our citizens and officials participate on a number of sub committees and working groups.
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation protect its rights and strengthen its voice at the CYFN Leadership table and in the work of commissions and committees that operate under CYFN by rejoining the Council of Yukon First Nations as a full member.
10. Communications on Finances
Resolution GA2024-10 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. VGFN has a duty to govern transparently; and
  2. VGFN Citizens would benefit from more regular and continuous sharing of financial information from VGFN’s administration.
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN’s Administration will provide regular monthly communication updates that include financial information on whether projects are funded by Financial Transfer Agreement or through external funding sources.
11. Appointment of Joint Protector for the Vuntut Gwitchin Trust and the Vuntut Gwitchin Business Trust
Resolution GA2024-11 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The General Assembly is currently the protector for the Vuntut Gwitchin Trust and the Vuntut Gwitchin Business Trust;
  2. The General Assembly has directed a review of the Trusts by passing GA Resolution 2023-09;
  3. The General Assembly now wishes to appoint a committee of three VGFN Citizens as the joint protector of both Trusts;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The VGFN General Assembly appoints the following three VGFN Citizens as the joint protector of the Trusts to fulfill the duties of the Protector in accordance with the Trust Deeds on an interim basis until the Trust review is completed:
  • Stanley Njootli Sr.
  • Stephen Mills
  • Bruce Charlie
12. Vuntut Gwitchin Autistic Children
Resolution GA2024-12 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. There are several children in Old Crow who have been diagnosed with autism;
  2. Parents and the public do not have training on the symptoms of autism;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN hire an autism support worker to work with the public, parents, and community to support families with autistic children.
13. Learning the Language of Trusts
Resolution GA2024-13 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. VGFN student Citizens need to learn the language of Trusts, other systems of governance, the VGFN Land Claims Agreement, and the VGFN Self-Government Agreement;
  2. The Vuntut Gwitchin Business Trust hosts two training sessions each year, one in Whitehorse and one in Old Crow; and
  3. There is also the Vuntut Gwitchin Investment Trust;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The VGFN Administration develop curriculum to teach student Citizens Grades 4-12 on other systems of governance, the VGFN Land Claims Agreement, the VGFN Self-Government Agreement, and Trust language related to the Vuntut Gwitchin Business Trust and the Vuntut Gwitchin Investment Trust.
14. Whitehorse Christmas Party
Resolution GA2024-14 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens in Whitehorse have a Christmas party each year in December to have a day to enjoy with their families;
  2. Historically VGFN staff in Whitehorse plan the party collectively with VGFN Human Resources staff in Old Crow, with jobs posted in Whitehorse for fiddle and guitar player, cooks, coordinator, and activity leader;
  3. This party is a venue where Gwich’in people in Whitehorse can work and make extra money for Christmas; and
  4. In 2023 all staff for the Whitehorse Christmas party came from Old Crow;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. All future Whitehorse Vuntut Gwitchin Christmas parties or other celebrations and events be:
  • planned and organized by Vuntut Gwitchin residing in Whitehorse, and
  • VGFN Whitehorse staff work with Old Crow based staff to hire Whitehorse workers.
15. Repairs for Privately Owned Homes
Resolution GA2024-15 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. There are little funds allocated to renovate and/or repair privately owned homes;
  2. Unexpected emergency home concerns can happen at any time;
  3. Some concerns need to be repaired immediately for safety reasons;
  4. Currently VGFN cannot cover the costs for small repairs without billing the home owner;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. Emergency repairs to bring the homes up to appropriate health and safety standards for homes on Vuntut Gwitchin Settlement Land in community residential proper be made by VGFN; and
  2. VGFN will complete home repairs for Vuntut Gwitchin Citizen home owners on Settlement Land in community residential properties that receive funds and/or grants for home repairs.
16. Salmon Management Plan
Resolution GA2024-16 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. There is an international moratorium on salmon fishing for 7 years and VGFN has closed fresh water fishing in the Porcupine River drainage from middle of July to August 2024;
  2. Not all Citizens can afford not to fish and Old Crow Citizens are on Social Assistance;
  3. VGFN has not considered the subsistence loss when Citizens cannot make a living off the land;
  4. The closure impacts traditional cultural needs of our people to be healthy, eat healthy food, and participate in the traditional economy;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN start the Salmon Management Plan;
  2. VGFN investigate solutions with the community to allow freshwater fishing while conserving salmon to the fullest extent possible;
  3. VGFN conduct a study on the socio-economic impacts on our people from salmon and freshwater fish harvesting restrictions as soon as possible;
  4. VGFN work with current harvesters to create a timetable for when and where to fish; and
  5. VGFN hold a fish camp in Spring to demonstrate how to cut fish and have programming around fish preservation and distribution.
17. Recreation Funding Increase
Resolution GA2024-17 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Physical wellness is of paramount importance to a healthy lifestyle;
  2. VGFN Recreation has limited funding;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN hire a coach or physical education instructor to work with youth and adults to increase sports participation, physical literacy, and travel for competitions;
  2. VGFN, business and trust entities will consider increasing funding levels for Recreation; and
  3. VGFN will host a recreation symposium.
18. Add General Assembly Framework into the Constitution
Resolution GA2024-18 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Constitutional and Legislative Review Committee established by VGFN is reviewing the Constitution;
  2. Having a General Assembly for three days is not long enough to get through all of the discussion needed;
  3. Progress on many past GA Resolutions has not been made since the previous General Assembly;
  4. A framework detailing how the General Assembly is to be held is needed in the Constitution;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Constitutional and Legislative Review Committee should consider adding a framework into the Constitution forthe General Assembly such as:
  • being 5 days in length,
  • including all departments,
  • including all entities,
  • being at Tl’oo K’at,
  • cooking at Tl’oo K’at,
  • helping people with materials to build tent frames at Tl’oo K’at,
  • Creating a General Assembly Committee including Citizens to coordinate the General Assembly.
19. Vuntut Art Acquisition
Resolution GA2024-19 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Every year, multiple times a year, VGFN departments put out a call for art for publications and events, such as the General Assembly;
  2. There are many gifted artists within the community and Vuntut Gwitchin sewing is sought out within and outside of community;
  3. At public events, swag is given out (shirts, bags, hats) and local beading and sewing are given out as esteemed and precious gifts;
  4. The amount of money offered to artists for use of their work is currently minimal.
  5. Offering fair payment such as a living wage and support for our people’s art is motivating, healing, encourages self-representation and expression, and is a form of harm reduction;
  6. Culture saves lives and art is a vessel for people to express their own unique voice and demonstrate cultural pride;
  7. By supporting artwork, this would also be beneficial to developing VGFN’s tourism industry;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN will fund and seek additional funding for a traditional crafts and artwork program to commission ten VGFN artists to create original traditional crafts, artwork, beadwork, and sewing on a yearly basis;
  2. VGFN will pay artists a minimum of $1000-$5000 per traditional crafts, artwork, beadwork, and sewing and VGFN will retain rights to the traditional crafts and artwork for future use in items such as greeting cards, t-shirts, prints, mugs etc., and original works will be framed.
  3. VGFN will hire an administrative personnel to administer this program, including seeking out and maintaining partnerships with other organizations.
20. Increase of Social Assistance Rates
Resolution GA2024-20 - 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 and those who receive social assistance are in a constant state where they are forced to rely on the government for food, warmth, and shelter;
  3. Those who are capable of work but who have addictions are usually unable to keep a job and thus rely more on their addictions;
  4. Those who have kids they cannot leave and are forced to rely on social assistance and help from family;
  5. The Nutrition North program subsidy is not enough to offset the price of shopping at the store in Old Crow;
  6. In this way we will bring our people back onto the land in a good way and try to heal these wounds by providing for and loving each other;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN work with the MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin to examine adjusting the social assistance rates to reflect the cost of living in Old Crow by the next General Assembly;
  2. VGFN review the Social Assistance Policy to include a system where those who receive social assistance:
  • are to provide reciprocal support in the form of hours put into traditional pursuits, such as collecting firewood, hunting, trapping, and fishing; and
  • those with families can have others come in to provide support and comfort through teaching kids hide tanning, sewing, crafting, and berry picking.
  1. VGFN work with Nutrition North to increase the subsidy to reflect the cost of living in Old Crow.
21. Distribution Policy for Disbursements from the Vuntut Gwitchin Trust
Resolution GA2024-21 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Compensation dollars from the signing of the Vuntut Gwitchin Final Agreement were put into the Vuntut Gwitchin Trust (VGT) for the benefit of all Vuntut Gwitchin beneficiaries;
  2. The VGT disburses moneys to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) annually on behalf of all beneficiaries;
  3. VGFN does not have any policy on how decisions are made on how this money is either spent by VGFN or re-invested into VGT;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN, in consultation with all Vuntut Gwitchin beneficiaries, develop guidelines for disbursement of compensation dollars that considers what areas the money can be spent on, how decisions on spending are made, when promissory notes should be drawn out of VGT, and when moneys should either be left in the VGT or added to the VGT, and bring this back to the next VGFN General Assembly.
22. Repeal prohibition in Old Crow and enact a harm reduction strategy
Resolution GA2024-22 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. In 1991, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) asked the Government of Yukon (YG) to amend the Yukon Liquor Act as is appeared in 1991 to ban alcohol within the community of Old Crow;
  2. In November of 1991, YG passed the Old Crow Liquor Prohibition Regulation (the “Prohibition Regulation”) pursuant to subsection 105.1(2) of the Liquor Act, resulting in the enduring prohibitions on possessing, consuming, selling, buying and transporting liquor anywhere within 100 km of the community of Old Crow;
  3. While prohibition has been in place for 33 years (November 1991- November 2024), a search of VGFN General Assembly (GA) Resolutions from only 2003-2023 shows multiple GA Resolutions have been put forward relating to alcohol prohibition and harm reduction:
  1. Resolution No. 2005-15: Revisit the Prohibition of Alcohol in Old Crow (record does not show whether passed, re;
  2. Resolution No. 2008-04: Prohibition Review Report - passed by consensus;
  3. Resolution No. 2013-05: Prohibition - passed by consensus;
  4. Resolution No. 2015-05: Prohibition - passed by consensus;
  5. Resolution No. 2018-06: Community discussion on prohibition - passed by consensus;
  6. Resolution No. 2018-15: Drugs in the community - passed by consensus
  7. Resolution No. 2021-08: Prohibition Bylaw Amendment - passed by consensus;
  8. Resolution No. 2021-05: Harm Reduction Policy - passed by consensus;
  1. This direction from the General Assembly has resulted in a court challenge, studies, engagement, and research to be done on the topic, yet no change has come of it. Some examples of research include:
  1. In 1993, a group of Citizens challenged the law in Yukon territorial court arguing that the Prohibition Regulation was unconstitutional and outside the jurisdiction of YG; however, the challenge was rejected by the judge at the time;
  2. VGFN established a committee in 2007 to explore the 2005 GA Resolution, but did not complete their process;
  3. VGFN hired Destiny Management Consulting to conduct research and gather responses to a community questionnaire, which resulted in the “Prohibition Review Report,” January 2008;
  4. In March 2022, VGFN received a legal opinion from Kris Statnyk outlining the legal ways to amend or repeal the current YG prohibitions;
  5. VGFN hired consulting firm Coeuraj to conduct a policy review and research on prohibition and how other communities have reduced alcohol restrictions, developed their own laws, and demonstrated promising policy to enact harm reduction and healing, which resulted in the “Alcohol Harm Reduction in Indigenous Communities: Draft Harm Reduction Report,” June 17, 2022;
  6. The last VGFN Administration hired a consultant to develop a Wellness and Happiness Index that would ideally gather data to inform harm reduction policy development;
  1. The best practices relating to substance use and addiction have changing since 1991, when prohibition was implemented in Old Crow, and more nuanced legislative and policy approaches have been successful in other communities;
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) has since become self-governing, with the ability to enact legislation that would make the Prohibition Regulation inoperative on VGFN Settlement Land, and also to enact law, regulation and policies that could, among other things, regulate the sale of alcohol and other substances on settlement land; and
  1. Research shows that making the sale of substances illegal does not result in healing the root causes of addiction and instead may have unintended consequences such as: criminalization; a culture of shame and binge drinking; exploitation of the poor; creation of black markets that encourages illegal activity (i.e. bootlegging, drug trafficking); and more risky and dangerous substance use with a great social cost.
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN provide education and outreach opportunities and/or materials for Citizens regarding prohibition and harm reduction.
  2. VGFN hold a plebiscite regarding the repeal of the Yukon Prohibition Regulation within the next year. 
  3. VGFN develop a harm reduction strategy, in accordance with research and community indicators.
23. Establishment of a Review Council
Resolution GA2024-23 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The General Assembly is a branch of our government;
  2. The General Assembly has no governmental mechanism to realize its power as a branch of our government;
  3. Political bodies have not yet taken the initiative to set this up;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Constitution Review and Legislation Development Committee will prioritize examination of the Review Council in the Constitution and identification of associated legislation.
24. Meaningful Community Consultation Policy and Procedures
Resolution GA2024-24 - 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 VGFN leadership and 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 departments develop informative policy packages and/or operation manuals; 
  3. Legislation needs to be presented and reviewed with Citizens; and
  4. Policies and procedures be made available to Citizens.
25. Remote access to the General Assembly and other public meetings
Resolution GA2024-25 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. Many VGFN Citizens live outside the traditional territory and do not have the funds or resources to travel to Old Crow for General Assemblies or public meetings;
  2. Many First Nations offer remote access to their General Assemblies via Zoom;
  3. There are many different opportunities for wellness including workshops, courses, training and retreats;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN work on a policy for every General Assembly and public meeting be offered via Zoom for Citizens when technically possible.
26. Old Crow Development Corporation
Resolution GA2024-26 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Old Crow Development Corporation (OCDC) owed over $600,000.00 to various creditors;
  2. There is no clear answer as to where the money was allocated or spent;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN refer this matter to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to investigate the OCDC, and that VGFN provide a report to the General Assembly.
27. Legislative Approval Process and Communications on Council Resolutions
Resolution GA2024-27 - Passed by majority
WHEREAS:
  1. VGFN has a duty to govern transparently;
  2. Legislation and amendments require extensive review, community consultation and input;
  3. Citizens are often unaware of legislative developments and changes;
  4. It takes time to approve and understand legislation that works for our own people;
  5. VGFN Citizens would benefit from more regular and continuous sharing Council Resolutions from VGFN’s Administration; and
  6. VGFN Citizens would benefit from having the opportunity to respond to Council Resolutions.
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN directs the Constitution Review and Legislation Development Committee to conduct community consultation on legislation development and consider giving direction to external entities on the legislation development process;
  2. VGFN directs the Constitution Review and Legislation Development Committee to review and consider changing the approval body for legislation and amendments to the VGFN General Assembly;
  3. VGFN’s Administration will hold monthly meetings on Council Resolutions for all VGFN Citizens; and
  4. The Constitution Review and Legislation Development Committee consider adding to the Constitution that Council Resolutions are to be reviewed in monthly meetings with the community.
28. Establish a Community Strategic Plan
Resolution GA2024-28 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation is committed to fostering sustainable growth, improving the quality of life for all residents, and addressing the evolving needs of the community;
  2. The development of a Community Strategic Plan is essential to guide the long-term vision, goals, and priorities of the community, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that community values are reflected in future development;
  3. Input from community members, organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders is vital to the creation of a Strategic Plan that is inclusive, comprehensive, and reflective of the community's diverse perspectives;
  4. A strategic planning process will provide a framework for identifying key priorities, setting measurable goals, and establishing actionable steps to achieve the desired outcomes over a specified period;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation hereby authorize the initiation of a Community Strategic Planning process, with the following objectives:
  1. To engage the community: Conduct outreach and engagement activities to gather input ensuring broad participation in the planning process.
  2. To assess current conditions: Evaluate the current state of the community, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, in order to inform the strategic planning process.
  3. To define a shared vision: Collaboratively establish a long-term vision for the community that reflects the aspirations and values of its residents and stakeholders.
  4. To set strategic goals: Identify key priorities and strategic goals that will guide the community's development over the next 10 years, with a focus on sustainability, equity, and inclusivity.
  5. To develop an Action Plan: Create a detailed Action Plan outlining specific initiatives, timelines, and responsibilities for achieving the strategic goals, along with mechanisms for monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes.
  6. To develop a Housing Strategy: To inform government decision-making.
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation allocate the necessary resources, including funding, personnel, and technical support, to facilitate the strategic planning process and to ensure its successful completion;
  2. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation establish a Steering Committee or appoints a Strategic Planning Task Force to oversee the development of the Community Strategic Plan, to work in close collaboration with community members and stakeholders, and to report regularly on the progress of the planning process;
  3. The final Community Strategic Plan shall be presented at a Special General Assembly for review, approval, and adoption, ensuring that it serves as a guiding document for future decision-making and resource allocation.
29. Language Summit for the Critically Endangered Language of the Vuntut Gwitchin
Resolution GA2024-29 - Passed by consensus
WHEREAS:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin language) is a critically endangered language, holding immense cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for the Vuntut Gwitchin;
  2. The preservation, revitalization, and transmission of is essential for maintaining the cultural identity and heritage of the Vuntut Gwitchin community;
  3. Urgent action is needed to address the declining number of fluent speakers and to create effective strategies for the revitalization of the Gwitchin Language;
  4. A Language Summit will provide an opportunity for the Vuntut Gwitchin community, language experts, educators, Elders, and youth to come together to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and develop a comprehensive plan for the preservation and revitalization of the Gwitchin Language;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation hereby commits to organizing and holding a Language Summit dedicated to the critically endangered the Gwitchin Language;
  2. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation allocate the necessary resources, including funding, personnel, and logistical support, to ensure the successful planning and execution of the Language Summit;
  3. The Language Summit shall focus on the following key objectives:
  1. Assessment of the current state of the Gwitchin language: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current number of fluent speakers, language transmission rates, and the overall vitality of the Gwitchin Language.
  2. Intergenerational knowledge sharing: Create opportunities for Elders and fluent speakers to share their knowledge and wisdom with younger generations, ensuring that traditional language skills and cultural practices are passed down.
  3. Development of language revitalization strategies: Collaboratively develop actionable strategies and initiatives for the revitalization of the Gwitchin Language, including language education programs, immersion initiatives, and the creation of language resources.
  4. Community engagement and awareness: Engage the entire Vuntut Gwitchin community in the language revitalization efforts, raising awareness of the importance of language preservation and encouraging active participation from all age groups.
  1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall invite language experts, educators, linguists, and representatives from other Indigenous communities who have successfully revitalized their languages to participate in the summit and share their insights and experiences;
  2. The outcomes and recommendations of the Language Summit shall be documented and presented to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation for review, adoption, and implementation, ensuring that revitalization efforts are sustained and supported in the long term.
30. Reinstate the Old Crow Oil and Gas Engagement Policy and Committee
Resolution GA2024-30 - Passed by majority
WHEREAS:
  1. The Old Crow Oil and Gas Engagement Policy and Committee were established to ensure that the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has a meaningful and informed role in all decisions regarding oil and gas activities within their traditional territories;
  2. The policy and committee provided a structured framework for community engagement, consultation, and decision-making, ensuring that the interests, rights, and concerns of the Vuntut Gwitchin people were prioritized in matters related to oil and gas exploration, development, and extraction;
  3. The suspension or discontinuation of the Old Crow Oil and Gas Engagement Policy and Committee has resulted in a lack of formal mechanisms for community involvement in oil and gas matters, potentially compromising the ability of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to effectively safeguard their lands, waters, and cultural heritage;
  4. Reinstating the Old Crow Oil and Gas Engagement Policy and Committee is crucial for protecting the environmental, social, and cultural interests of the Vuntut Gwitchin people, while also ensuring that any oil and gas activities are conducted in a manner consistent with the community's values, traditions, and long-term vision for their land;
THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation resolves that:
  1. VGFN hereby reestablish the Old Crow Oil and Gas Engagement Committee and will conduct a review of the Old Crow Oil and Gas Engagement Policy;
  2. The Old Crow Oil and Gas Engagement Committee shall be responsible for:
  1. Facilitating Community Consultation: Ensuring that the Vuntut Gwitchin community is fully informed and actively consulted on all proposed oil and gas activities within their traditional territories, including exploration, development, and extraction.
  2. Reviewing Proposals and Agreements: Reviewing and assessing all oil and gas proposals, agreements, and contracts to ensure they align with the community's environmental, cultural, and social values and that they provide adequate protections for the land, water, and wildlife.
  3. Engaging with Industry and Government: Serving as the primary liaison between the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, industry representatives, and government agencies, ensuring that the community's interests are represented in all negotiations and decision-making processes. 
  4. Monitoring and Compliance: Overseeing the implementation of oil and gas projects to ensure compliance with agreed-upon terms, environmental regulations, and community expectations, and taking action to address any violations or concerns.
  5. Promoting Sustainable Development: Advocating for sustainable and responsible resource development practices that prioritize the long-term health and well-being of the Vuntut Gwitchin lands, waters, and people.
  1. VGFN allocate the necessary resources, including funding, staffing, and technical support, to ensure the effective operation of the Old Crow Oil and Gas Engagement Committee;
  2. The Old Crow Oil and Gas Engagement Committee shall report regularly to VGFN and the Vuntut Gwitchin community on its activities, findings, and recommendations, ensuring transparency and accountability in all oil and gas-related matters.
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