Welcome
Drin gwiinzii shalak naii,
As Council, we are accountable to Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Citizens and responsible for the general welfare and good government of our First Nation. To uphold this, we are committed to working in a respectful, transparent way that is representative of Gwich’in values.
We have a positive vision for the future of the Vuntut Gwiichun First Nation, it’s Citizens, and the community of Old Crow. As part of our efforts to realize this vision, we are working to strengthen and celebrate our traditions, language and culture; meet local housing needs; ensure access to mental health and addictions programs; and create opportunities for VGFN Citizens to participate in a vibrant local economy.
Mahsi’ choo halak naii,
Chief Pauline Frost, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Latest Council Resolutions
View and download the latest Resolutions passed by Council. You can also search all Council Resolutions passed by Council since 2023 by keyword or subject.
Chief and Council Travel Schedule
A Mandate for Council
In September 2024, each member of Council, including Chief Pauline Frost, were issued a mandate letter that outlines key priorities and responsibilities of this Council, as well as individual areas of focus.
This is part of an effort to increase transparency and support effective and accountable governance for VGFN, now and into the future.
What is a mandate letter for?
Mandate letters outline the key priorities and pressing challenges that Council are committed to working on during their term in office.
They help prioritize the work of Council and the Administration because they speak to the shared priorities and vision of these leaders. As priorities shift over time and work is completed, mandate letters can be updated to reflect progress.
Mandate letters can help provide some public accountability and transparency about the vision and priorities of leadership. They are also helpful for management employees in the government administration to understand areas of responsibility and who they might expect to work with from Council to move certain initiatives forward.
Mandate letters are also used by the Canadian and Yukon governments. These mandate letters give VGFN another tool in the context of its ongoing intergovernmental negotiations and lobbying.
How were the mandate letters developed?
The mandate letters were developed from the work that members of Chief and Council have said is important to them, as well as from the discussions and resolutions at the General Assembly. They also include topics that come up regularly in the community, in Council meetings, and in the work of the Administration.
Is this all that Chief and Council are working on?
Mandate letters are not a list of everything Council is working on. They are one of several tools guiding Chief and Council’s work. If something is not mentioned in the mandate letters, it does not mean isn’t being worked on by VGFN.
How involved will Chief and Council be in the work outlined in the mandate letters?
The day-to-day work on the areas outlined in the mandate letters is done by the employees in the government. Chief and Council will not be involved at this level. Instead, they will work with the Executive Director and the Director of Finance to ensure they are informed about how work is progressing, and provide direction where needed.
Departments should not see a change in their day-to-day activities or an increase in involvement of Chief and Council directly. These letters simply help clarify areas of responsibility within Chief and Council, and help to ensure good communication between Council and the Administration.
Meet Chief and Council
Pauline Frost
Chief Pauline Frost is one of seven children born to Donald and Alice Frost and is descendent of the Njootli and Moses families. Chief Frost believes that everyone deserves to be given an opportunity to participate in a truly democratic government, one that is rooted in our culture and traditional teachings, while acknowledging the good work of our ancestors and our predecessors. This guides her in the work of representing Vuntut Gwitchin people locally, nationally and internationally.
Chief Frost has always kept her Gwich’in cultural connections strong, while dedicating her career to furthering the interests of the Vuntut Gwitchin. Before being elected VGFN Chief, she was elected as the Liberal MLA in the Vuntut Gwitchin electoral district, and served as Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister of the Environment, and Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation. Chief Frost has also worked for VGFN as the nations’ negotiator and intergovernmental coordinator, and served as Chair of the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee.
Harold Frost Jr.
Deputy Chief Harold Frost Jr. is the eldest son of Teresa and Harold Frost. A descendant of the Frost, Blackfox and Nehtruh families, Harold has a strong connection throughout the Gwich’in Nation with families in Alaska through his Grandparents Phillip and Mary ‘Abbie’ Peter, and Arthur and Annie James.
As a trapper, hunter and dog musher, Deputy Chief lives a traditional lifestyle and is committed to his family and community, and to promoting Vuntut Gwich’in traditions, customs, laws, culture and language. Deputy Chief ran for council because of his desire to make difference in health and wellness of our Vuntut people, and to contribute to a healthier future for the Vuntut Gwich’in Nation.
Debra-Leigh Reti
Crystal Linklater
Vernon Kyikavichik
ABout
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