All General Assembly Resolutions

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;

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:

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;

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;

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;

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; 

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;

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;

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.

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.

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

1. Physical wellness is of paramount importance to a healthy lifestyle;
2. VGFN Recreation has limited funding;

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;

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;

8. The Social Assistance Program has not been reviewed for many years and is not meeting the needs of individuals;
9. 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;
10. Those who are capable of work but who have addictions are usually unable to keep a job and thus rely more on their addictions;
11. Those who have kids they cannot leave and are forced to rely on social assistance and help from family;
12. The Nutrition North program subsidy is not enough to offset the price of shopping at the store in Old Crow;
13. 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;

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;

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;

4. 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;

5. 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;

6. 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

7. 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.

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;

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;

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;

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;

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.

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

1. Northern buildings require northern expertise in building;
2. Community input in infrastructure design is critical for the long-term success of new buildings;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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.

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;

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has been investing in and supporting business entities for many years;

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has a lot of business to review each year at the General Assembly;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

1. The cost of living has increased;

1. Some Vuntut Gwitchin students owe money;
2. Some students have difficulty to pay the funds back and cannot obtain their educational goals when they are ready to continue;

1. Youth summer positions have been offered in the past to high school students;
2. College and university students summer positions have not had the same level of opportunity;

1. The Nation Building offices are currently housed in a competitor’s building;
2. Vuntut Limited Partnership owns/co-owns various office spaces
   

1. Vuntut Gwitchin wellness is important for us to be able to move forward as a healthy community;
2. Citizens are at different stages of wellness and could move forward with support and funding;
3. There are many different opportunities for wellness including workshops, courses, training and retreats;
   

1. Vuntut Gwitchin Government (VGG) has completed a re-organization of the government structure and has undertaken the development of a 5-year strategic plan;
2. The re-organization and strategic plan provide a strong foundation for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of VGG’s administration, management and operations and delivery of programs and services for the benefit of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) citizens;
3. Continuing with the implementation of the re-organization and strategic plan will provide certainty and stability for VGG moving forward into the future;
4. VGFN has an upcoming election for Chief and Councillors;

1. Chance Oil and Gas have 30 working permits in our Traditional Territory;
2. Vuntut Gwitchin have many young people who desire to work in the oil and gas industry;
3. Vuntut Gwitchin needs exposure to participate in YESAA process to gain experience for future education;

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 Department 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;

1. Many 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;
   

1. There needs to be a structure for a basic General Assembly Agenda for all General Assemblies to provide continuity and so citizens know what to expect;

1. Review Council is an important part of our government;
2. Review Council has no budget, staff or training to function properly within Vuntut Gwitchin Government;

1. Currently, the monthly funding for students is not being deposited on time (by the last day of the month or the first day of the month) in order for students to pay rent on the first of each month to their respective landlords;

1. Young hunters are already providing for their family and community, kids as young as 8 are hunting;
2. Young hunters are not feeling supported and need funding for gas, gear, food, repairs;
3. Traditionally young hunters provided for their community;
4. We always put emphasis on land and youth;

1. Elders Council is an important part of our government to function;
2. Elders Council has no budget, staff, training or office;
3. We need our Elders Council back, every area needs an Elder;
4. Elders need to be able to attend meetings;

1. Traditional pursuits funding encourages citizens to be out on the land to live a traditional lifestyle;
2. Inflation is impacting the costs of getting out on the land and keeping up our traditions;
3. Lack of funding is a barrier for people spending time on the land with their families, loved ones and community;
4. One of the original intents of land claims was so our people can get out on the land;

1. A significant number of Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens have pursued health, wellness, and alcohol and drug treatment programs;
2. There is no recovery and aftercare program in our community;

1. VGG’s education funding policy currently does not fund full-time students during the summer semester even when an educational institution recognizes the student as a full-time status;
2. The education funding policy defines a full-time student as: “a person enrolled in three (3) or more courses (9 credits) per term or enrolled full-time as designated by the educational institution the student is attending;”
3. This policy currently gives false hope and misinterpretation to students when it comes to the summer semester;
4. Students should not be denied education due to a reliance on federal funding sources funding that does not support summer studies;
5. As a Self-Governing First Nation, we need to work towards self-sustainability and invest in our people now, not just future generations, and not rely on government funding.

1. The elders complex is built on the area where Victoria Blake’s home was;
2. Victoria was an elder of Old Crow;

1. VG Citizens are currently employed by VGG and have no housing;
2. It’s urgent that immediate housing for families of VGG employees are made available;

1. The cross-country ski program has been an integral part of health and wellness;
2. The ski lodge is in disrepair and not up to the national building code standard with no functioning restroom or living accommodations for our volunteer staff and support;

1. The older youth seem to get all the opportunities;
2. The younger youth would like to participate;
3. The younger youth would like to have their voices heard, acknowledged and recorded;

1. The Yeendoo Diinehdoo Ji’heezrit Nits’oo Ts’o’ Nan He’aa Declaration [VGFN Climate Emergency Declaration] recognizes climate change is a threat to the people, community, lands, waters, animals and way of life and is a call to action;
2. The VGFN General Assembly recognized the importance of reducing the use of single use plastics when in 2004-4 it agreed by consensus to ban the use of disposable products at VGG events;
3. Single use plastics used in the retail and hospitality sectors are resource intensive, their production, transportation and disposal contribute to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions;
4. Old Crow lacks plastic recycling or the ability to transport plastics to recycling facilities in other jurisdictions;

1. VGFN Citizens are unemployed;
2. VGFN Citizens need to feel empowered to apply for and work for Vuntut Gwitchin Government;

1. Vuntut Gwitchin Government is housed in Old Crow, on traditional Vuntut Gwitchin land;
2. Many employees are now housed in Whitehorse, Yukon;
3. We also have employees that are housed in other parts of Canada;

1. Current government policies encourage high risk behaviors, criminalization and stigmatization of health and mental health issues;
2. Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that saves lives (safer supply, education) and money (less medivacs, doctor billing hours) and is compassionate care. Harm reduction is necessary health care. Harm reduction promotes safety and connection in the community;
3. Abstinence based programming does not work for everyone. Harm reduction is about meeting people where they are at and providing support, there is no expectation of sobriety;
   Many citizens deal with grief, common intergenerational trauma, unresolved underlying trauma and compound trauma and they cope by using substances. Some people have substance dependency issues. The opioid crisis is impacting our people. Although we often hear that the land heals, our citizens face severe barriers to accessing their own land due to lack of access to harm reduction services such as a safer supply of substances (i.e., alcohol and methadone). This could be considered a violation of their rights as Vuntut Gwitchin citizens;

1. VGG paid 4-5 employees essential worker pay, all other essential workers that were deemed essential by VGG did not receive this pay;
2. Some VGG employees feel it is not fair to those who were essential workers but did not get the Covid pay, which was equivalent to one week’s pay;
3. The process was not fair and transparent and equitable to all essential workers at that time;
4. This created discontent amongst employees as they did not feel valued or treated equally;

1. There is no comprehensive plan for housing for the next five years;
2. Old Crow is in a housing crisis;

1. Prohibition came into place in Old Crow in 1991;
2. Since 1991, the prohibition bylaw has been an ongoing topic of debate in the community;
3. A resolution was passed at the VGFN GA in 2005 to review the alcohol prohibition bylaw (no. 2005-15). In response a consulting firm was hired to assess the community’s opinions on the prohibition bylaw. Questionnaires were distributed with a 75% return rate. The surveys showed that people want change to prohibition, want more prevention programs, want prohibition to be enforced differently;
4. The VGFN GA in 2008 passed resolution no. 2008-04 directing leadership to follow through on the implementation of the Prohibition Review Report recommendations;
5. The VGFN GA in 2013 passed resolution no. 2013-05 directing leadership to research and develop recommendations for changes to the existing prohibition bylaw;
6. The VGFN GA in 2015 passed resolution no. 2015-05 directing leadership to hold community meetings and consultations and that meaningful and binding decisions be made based on the results of these meetings;
7. There have been no changes to the prohibition bylaw to date;
8. Prohibition is not working for the citizens of Old Crow;
9. The prohibition bylaw in its current state prevents the provision of harm reduction services by service providers in Old Crow;
10. Prohibition is creating harm in the community;
    

1. Since time immemorial the dinjii zhuh have used Old Crow Flats to sustain/maintain their way of life, it provided food and economic sustainability. In 1993 the citizens of VGFN agreed to protect this pristine eco-rich region as a Special Management Area, never to be developed or disturbed;
2. The Elders deemed this eco-rich area, a place of healing, advising that it will one day be filled again with Vuntut families, that the sound of Gwich’in laughter will radiate in the traditional area of our Flats;
3. Our citizens have not used this area in approximately 30 years, people are not springing out anymore;
4. Times have changed drastically where we have lost our connection to the historic rich area, no longer are families passing on the traditional teachings, language and gifts of spending longer stretches of time on the land together;
   
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1. Dagoo descendants currently form part of the citizenship and have beneficiary status within the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;
2. Historically Eagle Plains, Whitestone, Fishing Branch are the traditional territory of the Dagoo Nation;
3. We want our children to recognize and know their heritage;

1. Chance Oil and Gas is meeting with VG citizens in Old Crow and Whitehorse without VGG involvement;
2. This engagement is important to all citizens for many reasons;

1. VGFN has had a difficult time in recent years attracting and maintaining a full Council;
2. s.35 of the Governance Act outlines indemnities of council members;
3. Cost of living in the Yukon and Old Crow has dramatically increased;
4. Council member salaries are too low for the work and sacrifices they are asked to make in their elected roles;
5. Current council member salaries are lower than the majority of positions within the government and have not been adjusted to the rate of inflation since 2012;
6. There are many reasons for high turnover, including low rates of pay;

1. VGFN has repeatedly vocalized the need for more mental health supports includingmental wellness, substance use, and harm reduction;
2. In June 2021 the Northern Hub of Mental Wellness and Substance Use was pulled from Old Crow after having built relationships with community members since October 2020;
3. Pulling the Northern Hub of Mental Wellness and Substance Use from Old Crow has negatively affected our community and was made without community or client consultation;
4. VGFN citizens deserve to have consistent access to therapists and councillors to support their mental health and facilitate accessing other treatments;

1. Children in Old Crow need safe places to play outside;
2. There has been lots of vandalism and garbage left in playgrounds in the past year;
3. Many playgrounds are becoming overgrown with willows and grasses to the point where children can no longer play;
4. Many playgrounds lack garbage cans and benches;
5. No playgrounds in Old Crow have swings that accommodate toddlers;
6. There is playground equipment that has been purchased for Old Crow that has not been set up;

1. VGG hires local residents as cooks and cooks’ assistants for community events;
2. Cooks pay is the same whether you cook for 50 or 200 people;
3. Cooks pay rates appear intended to cover one day of pay, but cooking requires time spent meal planning, shopping, and preparing food that needs time (e.g., dry meat);
4. Due to COVID19, increased safety measures (e.g., individually packaged meals) requires that cooks and cooks’ assistants work longer hours;
5. Amounts for cooks and cooks’ helpers have not been increased in many years despite increases in the cost of living;

1. VGG’s rental rates for equipment (e.g., ATV, snowmobile, boat) have not been increased for many years;
2. Equipment purchase, operating, and maintenance costs have increased considerably since VGG rental rates were established;
3. Current VGG rental rates do not reflect the cost of operating equipment;

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;

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:

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;

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;

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;

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; 

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;

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;

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.

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.

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

1. Physical wellness is of paramount importance to a healthy lifestyle;
2. VGFN Recreation has limited funding;

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;

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;

8. The Social Assistance Program has not been reviewed for many years and is not meeting the needs of individuals;
9. 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;
10. Those who are capable of work but who have addictions are usually unable to keep a job and thus rely more on their addictions;
11. Those who have kids they cannot leave and are forced to rely on social assistance and help from family;
12. The Nutrition North program subsidy is not enough to offset the price of shopping at the store in Old Crow;
13. 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;

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;

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;

4. 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;

5. 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;

6. 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

7. 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.

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;

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;

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;

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;

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.

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

1. Northern buildings require northern expertise in building;
2. Community input in infrastructure design is critical for the long-term success of new buildings;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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.

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;

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has been investing in and supporting business entities for many years;

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has a lot of business to review each year at the General Assembly;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

1. The cost of living has increased;

1. Some Vuntut Gwitchin students owe money;
2. Some students have difficulty to pay the funds back and cannot obtain their educational goals when they are ready to continue;

1. Youth summer positions have been offered in the past to high school students;
2. College and university students summer positions have not had the same level of opportunity;

1. The Nation Building offices are currently housed in a competitor’s building;
2. Vuntut Limited Partnership owns/co-owns various office spaces
   

1. Vuntut Gwitchin wellness is important for us to be able to move forward as a healthy community;
2. Citizens are at different stages of wellness and could move forward with support and funding;
3. There are many different opportunities for wellness including workshops, courses, training and retreats;
   

1. Vuntut Gwitchin Government (VGG) has completed a re-organization of the government structure and has undertaken the development of a 5-year strategic plan;
2. The re-organization and strategic plan provide a strong foundation for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of VGG’s administration, management and operations and delivery of programs and services for the benefit of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) citizens;
3. Continuing with the implementation of the re-organization and strategic plan will provide certainty and stability for VGG moving forward into the future;
4. VGFN has an upcoming election for Chief and Councillors;

1. Chance Oil and Gas have 30 working permits in our Traditional Territory;
2. Vuntut Gwitchin have many young people who desire to work in the oil and gas industry;
3. Vuntut Gwitchin needs exposure to participate in YESAA process to gain experience for future education;

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 Department 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;

1. Many 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;
   

1. There needs to be a structure for a basic General Assembly Agenda for all General Assemblies to provide continuity and so citizens know what to expect;

1. Review Council is an important part of our government;
2. Review Council has no budget, staff or training to function properly within Vuntut Gwitchin Government;

1. Currently, the monthly funding for students is not being deposited on time (by the last day of the month or the first day of the month) in order for students to pay rent on the first of each month to their respective landlords;

1. Young hunters are already providing for their family and community, kids as young as 8 are hunting;
2. Young hunters are not feeling supported and need funding for gas, gear, food, repairs;
3. Traditionally young hunters provided for their community;
4. We always put emphasis on land and youth;

1. Elders Council is an important part of our government to function;
2. Elders Council has no budget, staff, training or office;
3. We need our Elders Council back, every area needs an Elder;
4. Elders need to be able to attend meetings;

1. Traditional pursuits funding encourages citizens to be out on the land to live a traditional lifestyle;
2. Inflation is impacting the costs of getting out on the land and keeping up our traditions;
3. Lack of funding is a barrier for people spending time on the land with their families, loved ones and community;
4. One of the original intents of land claims was so our people can get out on the land;

1. A significant number of Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens have pursued health, wellness, and alcohol and drug treatment programs;
2. There is no recovery and aftercare program in our community;

1. VGG’s education funding policy currently does not fund full-time students during the summer semester even when an educational institution recognizes the student as a full-time status;
2. The education funding policy defines a full-time student as: “a person enrolled in three (3) or more courses (9 credits) per term or enrolled full-time as designated by the educational institution the student is attending;”
3. This policy currently gives false hope and misinterpretation to students when it comes to the summer semester;
4. Students should not be denied education due to a reliance on federal funding sources funding that does not support summer studies;
5. As a Self-Governing First Nation, we need to work towards self-sustainability and invest in our people now, not just future generations, and not rely on government funding.

1. The elders complex is built on the area where Victoria Blake’s home was;
2. Victoria was an elder of Old Crow;

1. VG Citizens are currently employed by VGG and have no housing;
2. It’s urgent that immediate housing for families of VGG employees are made available;

1. The cross-country ski program has been an integral part of health and wellness;
2. The ski lodge is in disrepair and not up to the national building code standard with no functioning restroom or living accommodations for our volunteer staff and support;

1. The older youth seem to get all the opportunities;
2. The younger youth would like to participate;
3. The younger youth would like to have their voices heard, acknowledged and recorded;

1. The Yeendoo Diinehdoo Ji’heezrit Nits’oo Ts’o’ Nan He’aa Declaration [VGFN Climate Emergency Declaration] recognizes climate change is a threat to the people, community, lands, waters, animals and way of life and is a call to action;
2. The VGFN General Assembly recognized the importance of reducing the use of single use plastics when in 2004-4 it agreed by consensus to ban the use of disposable products at VGG events;
3. Single use plastics used in the retail and hospitality sectors are resource intensive, their production, transportation and disposal contribute to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions;
4. Old Crow lacks plastic recycling or the ability to transport plastics to recycling facilities in other jurisdictions;

1. VGFN Citizens are unemployed;
2. VGFN Citizens need to feel empowered to apply for and work for Vuntut Gwitchin Government;

1. Vuntut Gwitchin Government is housed in Old Crow, on traditional Vuntut Gwitchin land;
2. Many employees are now housed in Whitehorse, Yukon;
3. We also have employees that are housed in other parts of Canada;

1. Current government policies encourage high risk behaviors, criminalization and stigmatization of health and mental health issues;
2. Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that saves lives (safer supply, education) and money (less medivacs, doctor billing hours) and is compassionate care. Harm reduction is necessary health care. Harm reduction promotes safety and connection in the community;
3. Abstinence based programming does not work for everyone. Harm reduction is about meeting people where they are at and providing support, there is no expectation of sobriety;
   Many citizens deal with grief, common intergenerational trauma, unresolved underlying trauma and compound trauma and they cope by using substances. Some people have substance dependency issues. The opioid crisis is impacting our people. Although we often hear that the land heals, our citizens face severe barriers to accessing their own land due to lack of access to harm reduction services such as a safer supply of substances (i.e., alcohol and methadone). This could be considered a violation of their rights as Vuntut Gwitchin citizens;

1. VGG paid 4-5 employees essential worker pay, all other essential workers that were deemed essential by VGG did not receive this pay;
2. Some VGG employees feel it is not fair to those who were essential workers but did not get the Covid pay, which was equivalent to one week’s pay;
3. The process was not fair and transparent and equitable to all essential workers at that time;
4. This created discontent amongst employees as they did not feel valued or treated equally;

1. There is no comprehensive plan for housing for the next five years;
2. Old Crow is in a housing crisis;

1. Prohibition came into place in Old Crow in 1991;
2. Since 1991, the prohibition bylaw has been an ongoing topic of debate in the community;
3. A resolution was passed at the VGFN GA in 2005 to review the alcohol prohibition bylaw (no. 2005-15). In response a consulting firm was hired to assess the community’s opinions on the prohibition bylaw. Questionnaires were distributed with a 75% return rate. The surveys showed that people want change to prohibition, want more prevention programs, want prohibition to be enforced differently;
4. The VGFN GA in 2008 passed resolution no. 2008-04 directing leadership to follow through on the implementation of the Prohibition Review Report recommendations;
5. The VGFN GA in 2013 passed resolution no. 2013-05 directing leadership to research and develop recommendations for changes to the existing prohibition bylaw;
6. The VGFN GA in 2015 passed resolution no. 2015-05 directing leadership to hold community meetings and consultations and that meaningful and binding decisions be made based on the results of these meetings;
7. There have been no changes to the prohibition bylaw to date;
8. Prohibition is not working for the citizens of Old Crow;
9. The prohibition bylaw in its current state prevents the provision of harm reduction services by service providers in Old Crow;
10. Prohibition is creating harm in the community;
    

1. Since time immemorial the dinjii zhuh have used Old Crow Flats to sustain/maintain their way of life, it provided food and economic sustainability. In 1993 the citizens of VGFN agreed to protect this pristine eco-rich region as a Special Management Area, never to be developed or disturbed;
2. The Elders deemed this eco-rich area, a place of healing, advising that it will one day be filled again with Vuntut families, that the sound of Gwich’in laughter will radiate in the traditional area of our Flats;
3. Our citizens have not used this area in approximately 30 years, people are not springing out anymore;
4. Times have changed drastically where we have lost our connection to the historic rich area, no longer are families passing on the traditional teachings, language and gifts of spending longer stretches of time on the land together;
   
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1. Dagoo descendants currently form part of the citizenship and have beneficiary status within the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;
2. Historically Eagle Plains, Whitestone, Fishing Branch are the traditional territory of the Dagoo Nation;
3. We want our children to recognize and know their heritage;

1. Chance Oil and Gas is meeting with VG citizens in Old Crow and Whitehorse without VGG involvement;
2. This engagement is important to all citizens for many reasons;

1. VGFN has had a difficult time in recent years attracting and maintaining a full Council;
2. s.35 of the Governance Act outlines indemnities of council members;
3. Cost of living in the Yukon and Old Crow has dramatically increased;
4. Council member salaries are too low for the work and sacrifices they are asked to make in their elected roles;
5. Current council member salaries are lower than the majority of positions within the government and have not been adjusted to the rate of inflation since 2012;
6. There are many reasons for high turnover, including low rates of pay;

1. VGFN has repeatedly vocalized the need for more mental health supports includingmental wellness, substance use, and harm reduction;
2. In June 2021 the Northern Hub of Mental Wellness and Substance Use was pulled from Old Crow after having built relationships with community members since October 2020;
3. Pulling the Northern Hub of Mental Wellness and Substance Use from Old Crow has negatively affected our community and was made without community or client consultation;
4. VGFN citizens deserve to have consistent access to therapists and councillors to support their mental health and facilitate accessing other treatments;

1. Children in Old Crow need safe places to play outside;
2. There has been lots of vandalism and garbage left in playgrounds in the past year;
3. Many playgrounds are becoming overgrown with willows and grasses to the point where children can no longer play;
4. Many playgrounds lack garbage cans and benches;
5. No playgrounds in Old Crow have swings that accommodate toddlers;
6. There is playground equipment that has been purchased for Old Crow that has not been set up;

1. VGG hires local residents as cooks and cooks’ assistants for community events;
2. Cooks pay is the same whether you cook for 50 or 200 people;
3. Cooks pay rates appear intended to cover one day of pay, but cooking requires time spent meal planning, shopping, and preparing food that needs time (e.g., dry meat);
4. Due to COVID19, increased safety measures (e.g., individually packaged meals) requires that cooks and cooks’ assistants work longer hours;
5. Amounts for cooks and cooks’ helpers have not been increased in many years despite increases in the cost of living;

1. VGG’s rental rates for equipment (e.g., ATV, snowmobile, boat) have not been increased for many years;
2. Equipment purchase, operating, and maintenance costs have increased considerably since VGG rental rates were established;
3. Current VGG rental rates do not reflect the cost of operating equipment;

1. The VGG Finance Policy has not been updated since 1995;

1. VGFN elders have said that being on the land is a source of healing;
2. VGFN citizens have a very close connection to the land of their Traditional Territory;
3. Currently VGFN citizens seeking treatment have to go treatment centres outside the VGFN Traditional Territory;

1. VGG hasn’t modernized its internal frameworks, policies, procedures, processes;
2. VGFN values and principles should be reflected throughout the government;

1. The Gwich’in have led efforts to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for decades;
2. Our efforts 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 implement community-led tactics;
3. We are at tipping point in our efforts to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with oil and gas leases issued and a law that requires development but an Administration that has committed to restoring protections;
4. We have had to adapt our tactics in seeking protection of the Refuge to account for the changing legal landscape and the ongoing global pandemic;

1. The GA currently does not have enough feasible time to speak to issues and all of our entities in three days;
2. The GA should be held during the work week as we are a growing government, we need to extend the days so that there is enough time to speak to all of our issues without being restricted;
   

1. VGFN has a goal of creating wealth across generations and to establish a framework of economic development that establishes opportunities for all Vuntut;
2. The VGG entities need to provide all Vuntut with the opportunity to be mentored and sit on VGG boards and there is no clear appointment process;
3. Current board VGG board members have served many years, sometimes sinceinception;
4. All Vuntut citizens need to be involved in the management of VGG entities and there is a need for specific measures and efforts to provide opportunities for young Gwitchin to be involved in these entities;

1. OCDC has been bailed out by VGG;
2. OCDC has not followed the original intent of the creation of OCDC;

1. The Yeendoo Diinehdoo Ji’heezrit Nits’oo Ts’o Nan He’aa Declaration (2019) recognizes the adverse impacts of climate change on the lands, water, animals, and people of the VGFN;
2. The 2019 VGFN GA directed the government to pursue carbon neutrality;
3. We recognize the importance of Traditional Knowledge, land-based information, and western scientific data to inform how we will adapt to a changing world; and
4. We recognize our Northern First Nations neighbours are facing similar concerns that presents an opportunity for collaboration;
   

1. The GA has not been at Tl’oo K’at for 2 years;
2. This is our traditional meeting place;
3. There is a loss of connection to our past and the future on the land;
4. The old Tl’oo K’at site had family tent frames;
   

1. There are many talented Gwich’in artists both in and outside of our homelands;
2. Our people are DJs, painters, carvers, designers, poets, tanners, musicians, linguists, quill workers, sewers, beeders, snowshoe makers, and more;
3. Arts are empowering and healing for our people;
4. Our community has continually expressed interest in tourism and in bringing together elders, youth, education, and culture;

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin are known for hosting traditional events, this is how we gather and celebrate. It is important to continue this tradition;
2. Currently it is hard to get coordinators and the traditional part gets lost in the event when we try to organize an event at the last minute;
   

1. Salmon returns to their spawning grounds have been the poorest on record this year and have been on a downward trend for decades;
2. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation relies on salmon for their subsistence and traditional needs;
   

1. VGFN members require palliative care outside the community of Old Crow as there are no equitable services in Old Crow;
2. Governments do not provide long term palliative essential care;
3. Community members must seek full time care out of the community at a cost to them;
4. The cost often is not affordable due to limited incomes;

1. Youth Council and Elders Council do not have terms of reference or guidelines but are recognized within the Constitution;
2. Discussions are highly confidential or sensitive;
3. There is concern with the possibility of information breaches;

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1. VGG lacks best practices within the government systems, processes and structure;
   

1. Board and committee members’ role is to represent VG Citizens in a respectful manner;
2. Board and committee members address VG issues and business;
   

1. VGFN has practiced its own traditional dispute resolution practices and has traditional decision-making processes;

1. VGFN has trusts, corporations and development corporations it appoints Citizens to;
2. VGFN does not have an established appointment process;
3. Citizens have sat on these Vuntut entities for longer than regularly established timelines;

1. The Elders Council performs an important function in our Governance as an advisory body as set out in the VGFN Constitution;
2. Currently the Elders Council does not have established processes and support in carrying out it’s duties;
3. The Elders Council would benefit from restructuring to improve its functioning;

1. The Gwitchin have a strong way of governance;
2. Our traditional and cultural way of being is for all future generations;

1. Vuntut Gwitchin spirituality was strong in the past and needs to be strengthened again;
2. People are praying in different ways, and we need to be open to this;
3. There are different denominations of spirituality;

1. There is a large population of VGFN beneficiaries that reside in Whitehorse, Yukon;
2. Cultural and traditional connection and social support is important for Citizens to feel connected to Old Crow;
3. VG Whitehorse Citizens deserve leadership representation in Whitehorse;
4. A budget is needed to provide cultural activities and social gatherings in Whitehorse;

1. Crow Mountain is used for hiking, berry picking, dog sledding, camping, tours and gravel hauling;
2. The safety of our Citizens, children and dogsleds is in danger when large trucks are hauling and throwing rocks;
3. The schedule of trucks on the mountain road has been sporadic including evenings and weekends;

1. Crow Mountain is a place for all community members to enjoy;
2. Crow Mountain is a place of pristine wilderness;
3. Crow Mountain is a tourism draw for our community;
4. The number of permanent camps on the mountain is growing;

1. We have many bylaws regarding ATVs and dogs in our community;
2. The RCMP is unable to enforce these bylaws;
3. Loose dogs and unsafe ATV usage is putting community members, especially children, in danger;

1. We have a large number of children in Old Crow;
2. We have long cold winters and deep snow where young children are unable to play and run outside for long periods of time;
3. We have very little play equipment in the community suitable for infants, toddlers and preschoolers;

1. The community is attempting to build a tourism industry to build our economy;
2. There is equipment, vehicles and materials stored all over town including the river road and people’s front yards;
3. Materials such as washers and driers and fridges are sitting out with the door still attached are dangerous for young children;
4. Areas of interest for tourists such as the old bell and downtown have become eye sores;

1. 2020 has been declared year of the youth;
2. VGG has an established Youth Council;

1. Traditional adoption has existed in our community for time immemorial;
2. Children who were traditionally adopted within families are cared for and raised within their Gwich’in culture;
3. Yukon Government Social Services does not recognize traditional adoption or the role of Elders in guiding traditional adoption;

1. Many young people are receiving social assistance;
2. There are employers looking for workers who are willing to provide training;
3. Our young people need to be independent;
4. Older workers are retiring and will need to be replaced by new hires;

1. The overarching priority for the Vuntut Gwitchin Government’s Education Department is to enhance and promote lifelong education and holistic wellness for Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens;
2. There exists a persistent academic achievement and secondary graduation gap between Yukon First Nations and non-First Nations learners;
3. We recognize our powers under our VGFN Self-Government Agreement to enact laws in the Yukon in relation to education under section 13.2.8 and to negotiate the assumption of responsibility for the management, administration and delivery of any program or service within our Vuntut Gwitchin jurisdiction under section 17.0 of our Self Government Agreement;
4. The VGFN supports the CYFN Chiefs Committee on Education to negotiate a framework agreement with the Yukon Government and Government of Canada that includes the establishment of a Yukon
5. First Nation "Education Directorate" and "School Agreement" to work towards a Yukon First Nation controlled education system and co-decision-making authority will strengthen our ability to influence the public education system;
6. We recognize the recommendations of the 2019 Auditor General of Canada report on the Yukon Government Department of Education delivery of kindergarten through grade 12 education programs;
7. We recognize that the Yukon Government Department of Education mandate is “to deliver accessible and quality education to all Yukon learners”;

1. Currently available positions on boards and committees are not posted on VGG’s website;
2. Appointed members on Boards and Committees are not posted;
   

1. These positions require an understanding of the Vuntut Gwitchin land and culture in order to be effective;
2. Teachers, resource people and staff coming to work in Old Crow come from different backgrounds;

1. The Yeendoo Diinehdoo Ji’heezrit Nits’oo Ts’o’ Nan He’aa Declaration (May 2019) declared a climate change state of emergency for VGFN lands, waters, animals and peoples, and called to action efforts to prevent a rise in global temperatures;
2. Approximately 1,500,000 litres of fossil fuel (diesel, gasoline and aviation fuel) are used in Old Crow each year to provide electricity, heat and transportation, while generating greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate crisis;
3. Renewable energy generation (solar power, wind power, battery energy storage and sustainable tree harvest) and energy conservation (energy efficiency and the adoption of emerging clean energy technologies) could dramatically reduce fossil fuel consumption in Old Crow;
4. The Old Crow Solar Project demonstrates the positive economic, environmental and social benefits of community-owned clean energy generation;

1. Vuntut Gwitchin Business Trust has been without a Protector since November 26, 2016;
2. The Protector plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Vuntut Gwitchin Business Trust Deed;
   
   
   

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin flag was chosen by the General Assembly;
2. The flag was designed by a Vuntut Gwitchin artist, Lawrence Dean Charlie;
3. Having our own flag displays strength and pride of our People;

1. Operation Manuals help new staff learn about their jobs and responsibilities;
2. VGG departments don’t have Operation Manuals;