GTC – A Message from the Grand Chief re: COVID-19 Funding

Press Release

Message from

Grand Chief Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan

April 7, 2020

Good day,

There have been a number of questions regarding funding related to COVID-19. The Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) and community Designated Gwich’in Organizations (DGOs) are working hard to ensure that you have all the support you need during this time.

In addition to the previous $70,000 given to each DGO from GTC, “At Home on the Land” funding has now been provided based on community size:

Fort McPherson – Tetlit Gwich’in Council: $170,000

Inuvik – Nihtat Gwich’in Council: $110,000

Aklavik – Ehditat Gwich’in Council: $64,000

Tsiigehtchic – Gwichya Gwich’in Council: $36,000

The purpose of these funds is to support Gwich’in who would not otherwise be able to be on the land because of the financial burden of acquiring necessary provisions, such as wood and fuel, food, First Aid equipment, transportation and other items suitable to their situation and culture.

A secondary purpose of these funds is to provide food bundles to Elders or other individuals who are homebound and unable to go on the land. For example, the funds may be used to support harvesting on the land, and then sharing food with Elders in the community.  The DGOs will be responsible for administering these funds accordingly.

Additionally, there is $200,000 available for emergency use only. This funding will be used to supplement the previous funding if and when required and only if other funding sources are not available.

While the GTC and DGOs are doing everything that they can to support you during this time, the power to reduce the spread of COVID-19 remains with you. Please continue to practice physical distancing, stay at home, wash hands often, disinfect your homes, and follow all orders of the Public Health Officials. Most of all, please be kind to one another. We need to get through this together in the best way we can. We all need to do things in a good way, do not focus on money, but focus on how we can all respect and help each other and do our part to reduce the spread of the Covid-19. Common sense and kindness are free.

Mahsi Cho for your patience, understanding and support to your community leadership who are doing what they can at this time. Ke’gwaadthat nahkwah Vili’ (God bless you all).

Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan, GTC Grand Chief