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 initiating legal action against GTC Grand Chief Frederick Blake Jr. and four GTC board members, citing unjust and oppressive conduct.
Supreme Court Justice Annie Piché has approved the plaintiffs’ request to proceed to trial, following a ruling issued on Thursday. The Aklavik and Inuvik councils allege that a meeting held in February 2025 constituted a “hostile takeover” of the GTC. They raised concerns about several motions passed during the meeting, alleging conflicts of interest and highlighting the absence of board members from Inuvik and Aklavik.
The plaintiffs, represented by Nihtat Gwich’in Council President Kelly McLeod and Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council President Michael Greenland, are also accusing Blake of misappropriating GTC funds. The GTC has been embroiled in legal disputes regarding the validity of Blake’s election since August 2024. Despite an appeal by Blake’s opponent Ken Kyikavichik, who claimed electoral policy violations, the N.W.T. Supreme Court upheld Blake’s election results.
Justice Piché noted that she awarded legal costs to Blake in the election dispute, amounting to approximately $17,000, with the GTC covering 70% and Kyikavichik 30%. Blake has reportedly incurred expenses of around $377,000 using GTC funds without board approval, a figure significantly surpassing the awarded legal costs.
The plaintiffs allege that Blake, along with GTC officials and auditors, provided evasive responses when questioned by board members about the payment, although this evidence has yet to be tested in court. Blake contends that he is entitled to legal fee reimbursement under GTC bylaws and cites past instances of council leaders utilizing funds for similar purposes, attributing any discrepancies to administrative oversight.
In addition to Blake, board members Doris Koe, Diane Koe, Richard Nerysoo, and Cindy McDonald, who are also implicated in the case, argued against moving to trial, expressing concerns about prolonging the process. Recently, the GTC announced the postponement of its annual general assembly in Fort McPherson, citing the need for additional time to finalize financial documents.