Permanent Participant to the Arctic Council: Gwich'in Council International!

Gwich'in people inhabit the north-western boreal forest of North America. They are part of the larger family of Athabaskans that include the Slavey, Dogrib, Han and Tutchone. However, the Gwich'in peoples have their own language, and their way of life is distinct from the other indigenous peoples. Traditionally, they have lived in nine different brands comprising territories stretching from the interior of Alaska through the Yukon and into the Mackenzie Valley. Their livelihood includes hunting, fishing and trapping, which play a significant role in their cultural and economic survival. 

The Gwich'in Council International (GCI) was established in 2000 to represent 9,000 individuals belonging to the Gwich'in family from the Northwest Territories (NWT), Yukon and Alaska. The GCI is a non-profit organisation with one full-time staff member based in Yellowknife, Canada. Its mission is to provide input to national and international policy organisations and initiatives affecting their way of life, culture and overall survival as a distinct people. The GCI has a seat at the Arctic Council as a Permanent Participant. Its participation in various AC working groups and other events and activities, both within and outside of the AC are aimed at promoting knowledge and the value of Gwich'in culture.  

Sources:

Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute, https://www.gwichin.ca/about-the-gwichin

Gwich’in Council International (GCI): https://gwichincouncil.com/about

Gwich’in Council International (GCI): https://www.uarctic.org/member-profiles/canada/8493/gwich-in-council-international