A legal conflict between multiple Gwich’in councils in the Beaufort Delta and the leadership of the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) is progressing towards a trial. The Nihtat Gwich’in Council in Inuvik, along with the Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council in Aklavik and their respective presidents, are taking legal action against GTC Grand Chief Frederick Blake Jr. and four GTC board members, citing what they perceive as unjust and oppressive conduct.
In a recent ruling by Supreme Court Justice Annie Piché, the plaintiffs were granted permission to proceed to trial. The Aklavik and Inuvik councils have alleged that a meeting held in February 2025 amounted to a “hostile takeover” of the GTC. They raised concerns about several resolutions passed during the meeting, accusing conflicts of interest and noting the absence of board members from Inuvik and Aklavik.
The plaintiffs, including the presidents of the Nihtat Gwich’in Council and Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council, Kelly McLeod and Michael Greenland, have also accused Blake of mishandling GTC funds. The GTC has been embroiled in a legal dispute regarding the validity of Blake’s election since August 2024.
Despite an appeals committee dismissing the complaint and the N.W.T. Supreme Court upholding Blake’s election, the controversy persists. Justice Piché acknowledged awarding legal costs to Blake related to the election dispute but highlighted discrepancies in the expenses claimed by Blake using GTC funds without proper approval.
Blake has defended his actions, asserting that he is entitled to reimbursement under GTC bylaws and citing past instances of council leaders utilizing funds for similar purposes. He downplays the situation as primarily an administrative oversight. Blake and the named board members have expressed concerns that proceeding to trial would prolong the resolution process.
The GTC recently announced the postponement of its annual general assembly in Fort McPherson, citing the need for additional time to finalize financial documents. Both Blake and McLeod have been contacted for comments but have not responded. The case is ongoing, with the specific allegations and evidence yet to be scrutinized in court.
