A legal conflict between multiple Gwich’in councils in the Beaufort Delta and the leaders 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 Grand Chief Frederick Blake Jr. and four GTC board members to court over alleged unjust and oppressive actions.
Supreme Court Justice Annie Piché, in a recent ruling, approved the plaintiffs’ request to proceed to trial. The Aklavik and Inuvik councils have raised concerns about a meeting held in February 2025, describing it as a “hostile takeover” of the GTC. They objected to several resolutions passed during the meeting, citing conflicts of interest and the absence of board members from Inuvik and Aklavik.
The plaintiffs, including the presidents of 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 entangled in a legal battle regarding the legitimacy of Blake’s election since August 2024, when his opponent, Ken Kyikavichik, contested the results, alleging violations of election policies. Despite an elections committee dismissing the complaint and the N.W.T. Supreme Court upholding Blake’s election, the dispute has persisted.
Justice Piché noted that legal costs were awarded to Blake in the election dispute, with the bill totaling around $17,000 split between the GTC and Kyikavichik. However, Blake reportedly utilized approximately $377,000 of GTC funds without the council board’s approval. The plaintiffs claim that Blake and GTC officials were uncooperative when questioned about the payment, though this evidence has yet to be examined in court.
Blake contends that he is entitled to reimbursement for legal fees under GTC bylaws and cites past instances of council leaders using funds for similar purposes. He dismisses the issue as a mere administrative error. Blake and the named board members expressed concerns that proceeding to trial would unnecessarily prolong the process.
Recently, the GTC decided to postpone its annual general assembly in Fort McPherson, citing the need for additional time to finalize financial documents.