Council Resolutions

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution calls for either the Chief or Deputy Chief to be present on the Traditional Territory at all times; 
2. From time to time the Chief and Deputy Chief must attend to matters outside the Traditional Territory, such as government business or family matters. 
3. Chief Pauline Frost and Deputy Chief Harold Frost Jr. are each required to travel out of the Traditional Territory from June 20 to June 28, 2024. 
4. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution states that in the event that both the Chief and Deputy Chief must be absent, an interim Deputy Chief shall be appointed. 

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) Constitution establishes a Council;
2. Council has the duties and powers prescribed to it under the Constitution to, among others, set clear policies and guidelines and ensure good management and reporting within the jurisdiction of the Council;
3. VGFN owns a home and community care van intended to be used to support the goals of the Home and Community Care Program, specifically to assist community members that periodically require assistance travelling in the community; and
4. Council wishes to approve the Home and Community Care Van Use Policy (2024).

This Resolution involves the payment of outstanding OCDC obligations, closure of OCDC account with the First Nations Bank of Canada and the indefinite suspension of OCDC operations. 

1. The Council of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“Council”) established the Terms of Reference for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Disbursement Committee (“Committee”) through Council Resolution 02-17-2023-#04 which tasked the Committee with making decisions on the disbursement of government funds, resources, and benefits in accordance with government program criteria;
2. The Committee considered requests received for education and training funding during a meeting of the Committee on June 12, 2024;
3. The Committee has provided recommendations to Council regarding the allocation of funding for education and training;
4. Council has considered the Committee’s recommendations.

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) has the right to self-determination, including:
   1. the inherent right to self-government;
   2. the right to be secure in our enjoyment of our means of subsistence and development;
   3. the right to maintain and strengthen our distinct physical, spiritual, cultural and economic relationship to the Traditional Territory, and to uphold our responsibilities to future generations in this regard;
   4. the right to the conservation and protection of the environment and the productive capacity of the Traditional Territory; and
   5. the right to the recognition, observance and enforcement of VGFN’s inherent and treaty rights and responsibilities recognized and protected under the Final Agreement and Self-Government Agreement.
2. VGFN’s inherent and treaty rights and responsibilities include:
   1. VGFN’s inherent self-government authority recognized under Article 13 of the Self-Government Agreement in relation the protection of fish, including Porcupine River Chinook salmon; and
   2. VGFN’s treaty right to harvest salmon and co-manage the salmon fishery in the Porcupine River watershed basin recognized under Chapter 16 of the Final Agreement including an exclusive needs-based allocation for Porcupine River Chinook salmon with priority over all other fisheries.
3. In 2022, 349 Chinook migrated past the Old Crow Sonar and in 2023, 512 Chinook migrated past the Old Crow sonar.
4.  The 2024 Chinook forecast is for a run size similar to 2023 and 2022. 
5. For the 2021 and 2022 seasons, VGFN fishers were asked to voluntarily avoid taking Chinook.
6. For the 2023 season, VGFN Council implemented closures through Council Resolution 06-22-2023-#35 VGFN Porcupine River Chinook Salmon Fishery. On April 1, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game released an Agreement concerning Canadian-origin Yukon River Chinook salmon which included the immediate suspension of commercial, sport, domestic and personal use Chinook fisheries for one full life cycle through to 2030.
7. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)’s Communal Fishing Licence to VGFN for 2024 is for 0 Chinook. 
8. In the State of Alaska, the salmon subsistence fishery on the Yukon is closed and 4-inch mesh nets, up to 50 foot in length, for freshwater fish, will be allowed except that each district will have a 2-week period of no gillnets to let the Chinook pass. 
9. The Yukon River Salmon Sub Committee has recommended no harvest of any Yukon River and Porcupine River Chinook and chum salmon in 2024 in consideration of the continued historic low runs experienced for both Chinook and chum salmon over recent years, the projected low 2024 abundance, and the seven-year agreement regarding Canadian-origin Yukon River Chinook Salmon (effective April 2024). 
10. The Constitution provides that the fundamental objectives of VGFN include:
    1. to have authority in respect of communities and lands of VGFN;
    2. to promote and enhance the general welfare of VGFN;
    3. to promote, enhance and protect the history, culture, values, traditions and rights of VGFN;
    4. to promote respect for the ancestral homeland of VGFN including the natural resources; and
    5. to use, manage, administer and regulate the lands of VGFN including the natural resources.
11. Council has the duty and power under the Constitution to do such things as may be necessary to fulfill the fundamental objectives of the VGFN.
12. The Gwich’in Niintsyaa 2022 Resolution to Protect the Relationship between Gwich’in and Łùk Choo and The Ni’inlii Declaration, proclaimed by the Gwich’in Nation at the 2022 and 2016 Gwich’in Gatherings respectively, call on Gwich’in from Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories to stand in solidarity and ensure the restoration and conservation of the salmon in the Yukon River watershed.
13. VGFN must take all measures necessary for future generations of VGFN citizens:
    1. to protect and uphold VGFN’s inherent and treaty rights and responsibilities in relation to Porcupine River Chinook salmon; and
    2. to maintain and strengthen VGFN’s distinct physical, spiritual, cultural and economic relationship to the Porcupine River Chinook salmon.
14. Council has carefully considered the potential risks, costs and benefits of establishing VGFN measures to regulate the 2024 VGFN Porcupine River Chinook salmon fishery, including past VGFN practices.

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) asserts authority and responsibility for the education of its children as part of its inherent right to self-government and has the power under 13.2.8 of the VGFN Self-Government Agreement to enact laws in relation to the provision of education programs and services in the Yukon for their citizens choosing to participate;
2. VGFN and other certain Yukon First Nations, entered into an agreement with the Government of Yukon (the “School Board Agreement”) under section 7 of the Education Act (the “Act”) to, among other matters, create the First Nation School Board (the “Board”) and establish its powers and responsibilities;
3. The Board is responsible for the operation and management of the Chief Zzeh Gittlit School in the community of Old Crow, Yukon (the “School”) which is within the VGFN traditional territory;
4. The Board may establish committees and specify powers and duties for those committees under section 116(2)(b) of the Act;
5. VGFN and the Board wish to establish a community-based, sub-committee of the Board, to engage with the Board and make certain decisions with respect to the operation and management of the School and have developed a Community Committee Agreement (“Agreement”) to establish a community committee; and 
6. Council has reviewed the Agreement.

1. The Council of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) are authorized to manage the use of Settlement Lands; 
2. VGFN has received funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Government of Yukon to support the costs of construction of a new Housing Warehouse and Assembly Shop (“Shop”); 
3. VGFN consulted with citizens at community meetings held on January 17, 2024 and June 3, 2024 to review potential locations for the Shop; 
4. A number of potential locations identified for the Shop were rejected because of challenges they presented including environmental concerns, land transfer requirements and unsuitable geotechnical conditions; 
5. Lot 55, the existing arena site, was identified by VGFN as a suitable location for the Shop; 
6. Citizens supported use of Lot 55 as a potential location for the Shop as long as an alternate site was identified for the arena; 
7. VGFN has identified Lots 181, 182 and 183, located south of Chief Zzeh Gittlit School, as a potential location for the relocation of the arena; 
8. VGFN, in consultation with Sprung, is working to confirm the feasibility of relocating the arena and to develop an order of magnitude budget; 
9. VGFN anticipates that it will be able to identify funding for the relocation of the arena; and
10. The use of Lot 55 as the location for the Shop is consistent with the Old Crow Community Plan Bylaw #01-2013. 

1. On May 17, 2024, Council passed resolution CO2024-33 which, pursuant to the Community Emergency Act (the “Act”), made and brought into effect: 
   • A community emergency declaration based upon potential flooding and risks to people, houses and community infrastructure in Old Crow; 
   • Community emergency orders establishing certain temporary measures necessary to address the risk including the designation and authorization of community safety officers, authority of a unified command, authorization for emergency payments and staff compensation.
2. On May 17, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. the Unified Command issued an Evacuation Alert for areas of Old Crow due to the risk of flooding along the Porcupine River during seasonal breakup and recommended against non-essential travel to Old Crow. 
3. On May 17, 2024, meltwater and high-water levels required emergency operations to cut the Dump Road to protect the road infrastructure and minimize environmental contamination. 
4. On May 21, 2024 at 3:30 p.m., the Unified Command issued a revised Evacuation Alert for areas of Old Crow due to the risk of flooding along the North Road and Ski Lodge Road of Old Crow during freshet;
5. On May 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. the Unified Command rescinded the Evacuation Alert as there was no longer risk of major flooding and the Unified Command demobilized;
6. In order to prevent risks of ongoing flooding and effluent leakage, management of water levels at the Sewage Lagoon and work at the Dump Road continued following demobilization of the Unified Command, requiring emergency payments and staff compensation; 
7. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Government of Yukon are continuing to work to on recovery, specifically to the damage that occurred to roads and to one property, to monitor water quality, and future mitigation; and 
8. Council now reasonable believes that the flood threats to the community of Old Crow no longer constitutes a community emergency and wishes to rescind the Community Emergency Declaration and all Council authorizations made under the Act in relation to the Community Emergency Declaration.

1. The Council of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“Council”) established the Terms of Reference for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Disbursement Committee (“Committee”) through Council Resolution 02-17-2023-#04 which tasked the Committee with making decisions on the disbursement of government funds, resources, and benefits in accordance with government program criteria;
2. The Committee considered the allocation of housing units during a meeting of the Committee on May 23, 2024;
3. The Committee has provided a recommendation to Council regarding the allocation of housing units;
4. Council has considered the Committee’s recommendation.

1. The Council of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“Council”) established the Terms of Reference for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Disbursement Committee (“Committee”) through Council Resolution 02-17-2023-#04 which tasked the Committee with making decisions on the disbursement of government funds, resources, and benefits in accordance with government program criteria;
2. The Committee considered requests received for education and training funding during a meeting of the Committee on May 23, 2024;
3. The Committee has provided recommendations to Council regarding the allocation of funding for education and training;
4. Council has considered the Committee’s recommendations.

1. Council directed certain changes to the VGFN Human Resources Policies Manual (“HR Policies”) per Resolution C02024-37;
2. VGFN Management Committee conducted a review of the proposed changes on June 10, 2024 and approved the changes in principle, apart from the changes relating to sick leave;
3. The HR Policies underwent review by VGFN Policy Analyst and VGFN external legal counsel;
4. The proposed changes also include changes to terminology, formatting, flexible work arrangement, and general updates for compliance with changes to the Canada Labour Code

1. The General Assembly of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) provided direction to Council to establish a committee responsible for reviewing the Constitution and related governance legislation and developing new legislation through resolutions made at the Annual General Assembly in 2023; 
2. Council of the VGFN wishes to strike a Constitution Review and Legislative Development Committee (“Committee”), as an advisory body to Council; 
3. The Committee will be responsible for: 
   • Reviewing the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution and advising Council and the General Assembly on proposed amendments; and 
   • Supporting the development of new legislation. 

4. A request for expression of interest was posted publicly in community and on social media on March 15, 2024 specifying that the Committee will consist of up to 10 citizens who represent the different branches of VGFN including Council, Elders Council, and the General Assembly and also encouraged youth to participate;
5. The post identified that Council would appoint citizens to the Committee through a Council Resolution; 
6. Six citizens submitted their expression of interest; and 
7. Council has the authority to appoint members to boards, committees and Councils of VGFN.

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) signed its Self-Government Agreement on May 29, 1993 and it came into effect on February 14, 1995;
2. Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in finalized their Self-Government agreement at a later date and successfully included additional provisions in related to Education and a number of Yukon First Nations have passed resolutions to include similar provisions;
3. Yukon Government and Canada have agreed to support these amendments;
4. Council of the VGFN consented to the English language amendments of the Self-Government Agreements through Council Resolution 03-02-2023-#07; 
5. A Resolution of Council is required to consent to the French language amendments and Yukon Government and Canada request that both the English and French versions of the amendments are approved at the same time; and 
6. An Amendment to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Self-Government Agreement may only be given by the Chief and Council.

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution calls for either the Chief or Deputy Chief to be present on the Traditional Territory at all times; 
2. From time to time the Chief and Deputy Chief must attend to matters outside the Traditional Territory, such as government business or family matters. 
3. Chief Pauline Frost and Deputy Chief Harold Frost Jr. are each required to travel out of the Traditional Territory from June 4 to June 6, 2024. 
4. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution states that in the event that both the Chief and Deputy Chief must be absent, an interim Deputy Chief shall be appointed. 

This resolution involves the authorization of the purchase of camp, equipment and various tools from Ketza TSL once work on the Health Centre and 10 plex project is complete. 

1. Old Crow is a very northern fly-in only community, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) is in a unique circumstance in that we have a very small and limited pool of potential employees in Old Crow; 
2. VGFN is faced with a number of labour challenges: 
   • Continuing to address the backlog of work resulting from being understaffed in prior years;
   • Currently being understaffed;
   • High employee turnover which increases orientation and training workload;
   • Backfilling for employee Leave coverage;
   • The normal responsibility and workload of a department necessitates hours of work above the current 65 hours per pay-period.

3. Currently some full-time employees are contracted to work 65 hours per pay-period, and some are contracted to work 80 hours per pay-period; 
4. Directors and Managers are currently hired based on working 65 hours per pay-period and receive 5 days additional paid leave time in lieu of all their overtime work; 
5. Based on the real workload of the Department, the contracted 65 hours of work per pay-period is a significant understatement of the actual hours required; 
6. The number of additional uncompensated hours of work is a significant factor in increasing job dissatisfaction;

1. On an annual basis the Council of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) must approve a Council salary table establishing the annual salaries for the Council members for that fiscal year in accordance with section 35 of the Vuntut Gwitchin Governance Act, as amended by the Act to Amend the Vuntut Gwitchin Governance Act (2023) (the “Governance Act”).
2. Section 35(2) of the Governance Act provides that:
   • Council members in the position of Chief and Deputy Chief will have an annual salary established in the Council salary table that is commensurate with the nature of their positions being equivalent to full-time employment;
   • Council members other than those in the position of Chief and Deputy Chief will have an annual salary established in the Council salary table that is commensurate with the nature of their positions being equivalent to part-time and pro-rated to a minimum of 25% equivalent to full-time employment, subject to Council requiring one or more Council member to fulfill additional responsibilities beyond the part-time equivalency of 25% in a given year up to a maximum of being equivalent to full-time employment; and
   • Council will consider the overall workload for Councillors and determine the pro-rated amount for each Councillor through a resolution;
3. Council now wishes to approve the Council salary table that applies for the annual period beginning April 1, 2024 and ending on March 31, 2025 in accordance with the section 35 of the Governance Act; and
4. Council further wishes to direct the administration of VGFN to develop for Council consideration a recommended Council administration policy to apply to VGFN’s future administration of Council salaries and the provision of Council benefits in accordance with the Governance Act.

1. On an annual basis the Council of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) must approve a Council salary table establishing the annual salaries for the Council members for that fiscal year in accordance with section 35 of the Vuntut Gwitchin Governance Act, as amended by the Act to Amend the Vuntut Gwitchin Governance Act (2023) (the “Governance Act”).
2. Section 35(2) of the Governance Act provides that:
   • Council members in the position of Chief and Deputy Chief will have an annual salary established in the Council salary table that is commensurate with the nature of their positions being equivalent to full-time employment;
   • Council members other than those in the position of Chief and Deputy Chief will have an annual salary established in the Council salary table that is commensurate with the nature of their positions being equivalent to part-time and pro-rated to a minimum of 25% equivalent to full-time employment, subject to Council requiring one or more Council member to fulfill additional responsibilities beyond the part-time equivalency of 25% in a given year up to a maximum of being equivalent to full-time employment; and
   • Council will consider the overall workload for Councillors and determine the pro-rated amount for each Councillor through a resolution;
3. Council attached and approved a Council salary table to Council resolution 03-07-2023-#11 that applies for the annual period beginning April 1, 2023 and ending on March 31, 2024 (the “2023-24 Council Salary Table”) in accordance with the section 35 of the Governance Act;
4. Council now wishes to confirm the pro-rated amount of the annual salaries applicable for Council members pursuant to the 2023-24 Council Salary Table.

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) Constitution (Article 16.6 Audit of Accounts) states “The books, accounts and records of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation shall be audited at least once a year by a chartered accountant and the report thereof shall be submitted to Chief and Council for approval and presented to the General Assembly”;  
2. The Vuntut Gwitchin Governance Act (Paragraph 31) states “The Council shall, by resolution, appoint a chartered accountant or a certified general accountant to be the auditor for the Vuntut Gwitchin Government”; 
3. In 2015, the associations for the Chartered Accountants and the Certified General Accountants merged to form the Chartered Professional Accountants; 
4. M. McKay & Associated Ltd. are qualified and have several years’ experience conducting the annual audits for Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation; and

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) and community members in Old Crow have monitored snowfall and snowpack on the ground and forecast a significant risk for flooding around the time of break up.
2. The Government of Yukon (YG) Water Resources Branch snowpack reports for 2024 indicate record levels of snowpack in North Yukon and the watershed around Old Crow and the YG Water Resources Branch has identified the risk of flooding in Old Crow in the Spring of 2024 as high.
3. VGFN and YG have established a joint Unified Command governance model (“Unified Command”) with YG Incident Management Team to enable YG and VGFN staff and resources to work together, and include joint decision making at the VGFN Emergency Operations Centre;
4. Warming temperatures, and upstream and downstream ice jams may affect water levels in the Porcupine River in the area of Old Crow.
5. A number of houses and areas of community infrastructure are at risk of being affected and damaged by the potential flooding and people in some parts of Old Crow will likely need to be evacuated to a safe area.
6. On May 17 YG Water Resources Branch issued a “Flood Watch” for Old Crow indicating the break-up is happening and the potential for flooding is in the next 24-48 hours.
7. If Council reasonably believes that a Community emergency exists on Settlement Land, then Council may make a Community Emergency Declaration pursuant to section 5 of the Community Emergency Act (the “Act”) declaring that a Community Emergency exists within the meaning of the Act.
8. If a Community Emergency Declaration is made under the Act, and Council reasonably believes that certain special temporary measures are necessary to address the existing Community Emergency, then Council may also make a Community Emergency Order under the Act to establish such special temporary measures.

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) submitted an application to CMHC’s Canada Greener Affordable Homes (CGAH) program on January 31, 2024 to fund the assessment for retrofit of 5 homes as a first step towards receiving funding to support the renovations of those homes (the “Application”);
2. VGFN received a letter dated April 9, 2024 regarding CMHC CGAH #27337559 confirming that the Application was approved by CMHC on March 26, 2024 (the “Letter”);
3. The letter had a Contribution Agreement enclosed (CMHC CGAH #27337559) that needs to be approved by Council resolution demonstrating support and signing authority;  
4. The Chief and Council of VGFN may pass resolutions in support of contribution agreements;
5. Per section 20 of the VGFN Governance Act, the Chief or Deputy Chief of VGFN are authorized sign contracts or expenditures over $100,000 if accompanied by the signatures of the Executive Director of VGFN and the Finance Director of VGFN;
6. While Contribution Agreement CMHC CGAH #27337559 does not require VGFN to borrow money, VGFN does have the capacity to borrow money per section 28 of the VGFN Governance Act, by passing an Act according to the procedure set out in the Governance Act; and
7. Chief and Council have reviewed the application, the letter, and Contribution Agreement;

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) submitted an application to CMHC’s Canada Greener Affordable Homes (CGAH) program on January 31, 2024 to fund the assessment for retrofit of 5 homes as a first step towards receiving funding to support the renovations of those homes (the “Application”);
2. VGFN received a letter dated April 9, 2024 regarding CMHC CGAH #27337542 confirming that the Application was approved by CMHC on March 26, 2024 (the “Letter”);
3. The letter had a Contribution Agreement enclosed (CMHC CGAH #2733742) that needs to be approved by Council resolution demonstrating support and signing authority;  
4. The Chief and Council of VGFN may pass resolutions in support of contribution agreements;
5. Per section 20 of the VGFN Governance Act, the Chief or Deputy Chief of VGFN are authorized sign contracts or expenditures over $100,000 if accompanied by the signatures of the Executive Director of VGFN and the Finance Director of VGFN;
6. While Contribution Agreement CMHC CGAH #27337542 does not require VGFN to borrow money, VGFN does have the capacity to borrow money per section 28 of the VGFN Governance Act, by passing an Act according to the procedure set out in the Governance Act; and
7. Chief and Council have reviewed the application, the letter, and Contribution Agreement;

This Resolution involves an individual’s transfer of status to Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) owns and operates the Old Crow Tank Farm;
2. Upon construction of the Old Crow Tank Farm, it was recognized that additional capacity may need to be added to the Tank Farm in the future to support increased fuel demand in Old Crow (“Phase 3 Expansion Project”) and this expansion was captured in the permitting for the original construction;
3. Given the current demand for fuel in Old Crow, VGFN would benefit from proceeding with the Phase 3 Expansion Project in order to reduce the number of fuel hauls to Old Crow which will in turn support reducing fuel freight costs and emissions over the life cycle of the Tank Farm;
4. VGFN has negotiated a contract (the “Old Crow Tank Farm Phase 3 Expansion Contract”) with W.S. Nicholls Western Construction Ltd. (“WSN”) to design, supply, install, tie-in and commission four (4) above ground storage tanks (3 heating oil and 1 gasoline) at the Old Crow Tank Farm pursuant permitting for the Old Crow Tank Farm Phase 3 Expansion Project and other terms and conditions; 
5. VGFN has conducted a legal review of the Old Crow Tank Farm Phase 3 Expansion Contract and all supporting documents;
6. VGFN has obtained a financial commitment for the whole amount of the costs associated with the Phase 3 Expansion Project through Gas Tax funds; 
7. WSN is experienced, knowledgeable and has the appropriate assets to complete the Project; 
8. WSN has confirmed the timeline for the Phase 3 Expansion Project including that the tanks will be manufactured in time for this season;
9. The Chief and Council has the authority to award contracts and service agreements

1. The Government of Yukon has granted VGG a Licence of Occupation to occupy certain non-Settlement Lands for the purpose of constructing and using a winter road between Eagle Plains and Old Crow between June 1, 2021 and May 31, 2031;
2. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) wishes to operate a snow road during the winters of 2024-2025 and 2025-2026, to support the delivery of equipment and materials required for the construction of a new Warehouse Assembly Building (“Warehouse”) planned for Old Crow; 
3. VGFN has negotiated a contract (the “Snow Road Contract”) with Arctic Terrain Transport Inc. (“ATTI”) to groom, operate, maintain, deliver and remove freight and decommission a Snow Road pursuant to the Licence of Occupation and other terms and conditions; 
4. VGFN has issued a Land Use Permit to Arctic Terrain Transport Inc. (“ATTI”) which authorizes the construction and use of a winter road within Vuntut Gwitchin Settlement Lands R-6A and R-11A , between January 15, 2024 and April 1, 2026, subject to the terms and conditions therein;
5. VGFN has conducted a legal review of the Snow Road Contract and all supporting documents;
6. VGFN has obtained a financial commitment of;
   • $7.5 million from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for the construction of a Warehouse Assembly Building (“Warehouse”) that will help fund the cost of the Snow Road Contract;
   • $3 million from Yukon Government to expand the new Warehouse for YG purposes, which brings the total project budget to $10.5 million that can be used to fund the cost of the Snow Road Project for bringing in the required materials and equipment;

7. VGFN anticipates this funding, paired with contracts with third parties to use the Snow Road, will cover the cost of the Snow Road Contract;
8. In the event that VGFN does not have the cash from these financial commitments right away, VGFN Chief and Council support interim financing the cost of the Snow Road project for an amount up to a maximum of the Snow Road Contract from the $3,372,732 Vuntut Gwitchin Trust promissory note funds currently held by VGFN;
9. ATTI is experienced, knowledgeable and has the appropriate assets to complete the Project. 
10. The Chief and Council has the authority to award contracts and service agreements.

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution calls for either the Chief or Deputy Chief to be present on the Traditional Territory at all times; 
2. From time to time the Chief and Deputy Chief must attend to matters outside the Traditional Territory, such as government business or family matters. 
3. Chief Pauline Frost and Deputy Chief Harold Frost Jr. are each required to travel out of the Traditional Territory for different reasons, but at the same time, from May 9 to May 13, 2024. 
4. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution states that in the event that both the Chief and Deputy Chief must be absent, an interim Deputy Chief shall be appointed.

1. The Council of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“Council”) established the Terms of Reference for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Disbursement Committee (“Committee”) through Council Resolution 02-17-2023-#04 which tasked the Committee with making decisions on the disbursement of government funds, resources, and benefits in accordance with government program criteria;
2. The Committee considered requests received for education and training funding during a meeting of the Committee on April 16, 2024;
3. The Committee has provided a recommendation to Council regarding the allocation of funding for education and training;
4. Council has considered the Committee’s recommendation.

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has monitored snowfall and snowpack on the ground and forecasts a high risk for flooding around the time of break up.
2. Observations of citizens and residents in Old Crow are supported by the Yukon government Water Resources Branch snowpack reports for 2024 which indicate record levels of snowpack in North Yukon and the watershed around Old Crow.
3. In line with best practice, VGFN staff are planning for a range of scenarios including no evacuation, partial evacuation within community, or full evacuation out of community and the potential for damage to homes and infrastructure.
4. The objective in preparing the community is to support citizens to remain in the community, at safe locations, as long as possible, or, in the event that a partial or full evacuation is required, to support citizens and infrastructure to recovery quickly.
5. VGFN has activated its emergency planning team to initiate preparedness and mitigation actions as per our flood hazard plan. 
6. The VGFN First Appropriations Act 2024-25 includes $1,000,000 for Emergency purposes under the Chief and Council vote.
7. Chief and Council have directed that VGFN staff continue emergency management planning for high risk threats including flooding and wildfires. 
8. The Yukon government Emergency Measures Organization has recognized the flood threat to Old Crow and has assigned a task number and has called for all YG departments with values at risk in Old Crow to refresh themselves with their emergency and business continuity plans.
9. VGFN staff are communicating with CIRNAC on future claims for reimbursable spending. 
10. VGFN staff do not recommend Community Emergency Declaration yet, but if the flood threat continues to materialize, anticipate recommending a Community Emergency Declaration, including standing up Community Safety Officers to assist with on the ground work in Old Crow. 
11. VGFN staff have developed staged activation levels to the flood plan that trigger increasingly complex planning, requests, and responses by VGFN and partner agencies. 
12. The potential threat of flooding in Old Crow may be a large and widespread event, may put a significant number of people at risk, will require significant coordination among VGFN and partner agencies, and the extent of potential damage is not known. 
13. VGFN needs to plan for flood response and recovery following the flood. 
14. VGFN staff will be required to engage in the preparation and response to lesser and greater degrees depending on the magnitude, scope, and stage of the flood event. 

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) entered into the VGFN Self-Government Financial Transfer Agreement with Canada effective April 1, 2019 (“SGFTA”) pursuant to 16.1 of the VGFN Self-Government Agreement;
2. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) and Canada extended the term of the SGFTA by one year to a term that now ends March 31, 2025;
3. VGFN and Canada now wish to amend the SGFTA in accordance with its provisions to:

• provide a total of $193,534.58 in funding to support early learning and childcare services for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year and $205.343.12 for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year as set out in the “Early Learning and Child Care Amendment” attached to this resolution as Schedule 1;
• provide a total of $143,858.00 in funding to support of the provision of social and welfare services for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year as set out in the “Income Assistance Amendment” attached to this resolution as Schedule 2; and

5. Council has reviewed and considered the SGFTA Amendment Agreements.

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) entered into the VGFN Self-Government Financial Transfer Agreement with Canada effective April 1, 2019 (“SGFTA”) pursuant to 16.1 of the VGFN Self-Government Agreement;
2. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) and Canada extended the term of the SGFTA by one year to a term that now ends March 31, 2025;
3. Pursuant to sections 3.6 and 3.7 of the current Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Self-Government Financial Transfer Agreement (the “SGFTA”), Canada is to pay the Annual Formula Grant for each Fiscal Year to the First Nation by way of scheduled bi-monthly instalments; and
4. The Parties now wish to provide for Canada to pay and the First Nation to receive a larger portion of the Annual Formula Grant early in the Fiscal Year so that;

• Canada shall pay to VGFN on or before the 10th working day of April, the full amount identified under the SGFTA for the 2024/2025 fiscal year; and
• on or before the last working day of January 2025, Canada shall pay amounts as adjusted by all applicable adjustors for the Fiscal Year and including any amounts for the Fiscal Year which were not approved by Canada on or before the 10th working day of April, 2024.

1. The government of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) strives for strategic and effective management of employees in accordance with established policy;
2. VGFN’s Personnel Policies Manual dated December 8, 2016 (“Personnel Policies Manual”), included a provision in which an employee who had five or more years of continuous employment would be entitled to be paid severance upon retirement (“the provision”);
3. On January 14, 2022, VGFN implemented a Human Resources Policies Manual (“Human Resources Policies Manual”), which replaced the Personnel Policies Manual, and removed the provision, effective immediately;
4. VGFN has received concerns regarding the removal of the provision and the impacts it had on long-term staff working under the Personnel Policies Manual; and
5. Council wishes to ensure fairness in the administration of our employment relationships.

1. On October 7, 2022, Council of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) passed resolution 10-07-2022 making a Community Emergency Declaration and Order under the Community Emergency Act (the “Act”) for a period of 90 days regarding a dangerous offender, CHRISTOPHER RUSSELL SCHAFER, born April 17, 1977 (the “dangerous offender”). This declaration expired on January 5, 2023.
2. On February 17, 2023, Council of the VGFN passed resolution 02-17-2023 - #05 making a further Community Emergency Declaration and Order under the Act for another period of 90 days regarding the dangerous offender. This declaration expired on May 17, 2023.
3. On May 30, 2023, Council of the VGFN passed resolution 05-30-2023-#29 making a further Community Emergency Declaration and Order under the Act for another period of 90 days regarding the dangerous offender. This declaration expired on August 28, 2023.
4. On September 14, 2023, Council of the VGFN passed resolution 09-14-2023-#49 making a further Community Emergency Declaration and Order under the Act for another period of 90 days regarding the dangerous offender. This declaration will expire on December 13, 2023.
5. On November 30, 2023, Council of the VGFN passed resolution 11-30-2023-#65 making a further Community Emergency Declaration and Order under the Act for another period of 90 days regarding the dangerous offender. The declaration expired on February 28, 2024.
6. Council continues to reasonably believe, in the circumstances, that:

• the dangerous offender poses a preventable, foreseeable, imminent, or actual danger to life, health and safety on VGFN Settlement Land which constitutes a “Community Emergency” within the meaning of the Act; and
• certain special temporary measures are necessary to address the preventable, foreseeable, imminent, or actual danger to life, health and safety posed by the dangerous offender.

7. Council wishes to make a new Community Emergency Declaration and Order under the Act for another period of 90 days regarding the dangerous offender.

1. The 2006 version of the Constitution of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) established and defined a Management Committee;
2. The 2019 version of the Constitution of the VGFN removed the definition of the Management Committee;
3. The Management Committee is still referenced in the Governance Act as a key body necessary for the administration of VGFN;
4. The Management Committee is referenced in existing government policies;
5. Management Committee is currently undefined;
6. Council wishes to define the Management Committee.

1. The Council of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“Council”) approves of the budget estimates submitted by the Director of Finance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.

1. The Government of Yukon has granted VGG a Licence of Occupation to occupy certain non-Settlement Lands for the purpose of constructing and using a winter road between Eagle Plains and Old Crow between June 1, 2021 and May 31, 2031;
2. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) wishes to operate a snow road during the month of March 2024, and subject to extension granted by Yukon Government under the Licence of Occupation, April 2024, to support the delivery of equipment and materials required for the construction of a new Warehouse Assembly Building (“Warehouse”) planned for Old Crow;
3. VGFN has negotiated a contract (the “Snow Road Contract”) with Arctic Terrain Transport Inc. (“ATTI”) to groom, operate, maintain, deliver and remove freight and decommission a Snow Road pursuant to the Licence of Occupation and other terms and conditions;
4. VGFN has issued a Land Use Permit to Arctic Terrain Transport Inc. (“ATTI”) which authorizes the construction and use of a winter road within Vuntut Gwitchin Settlement Lands R-6A and R-11A , between January 15, 2024 and April 1, 2026, subject to the terms and conditions therein;
5. VGFN has conducted a legal review of the Snow Road Contract and all supporting documents;
6. VGFN has obtained a financial commitment of;

• $7.5 million from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for the construction of a Warehouse Assembly Building (“Warehouse”) that will help fund the cost of the Snow Road Contract;
• $3 million from Yukon Government to expand the new Warehouse for YG purposes, which brings the total project budget to $10.5 million that can be used to fund the cost of the Snow Road Project for brining in the required materials and equipment;

7. VGFN anticipates this funding, paired with contracts with third parties to use the Snow Road, will cover the cost of the Snow Road Contract;
8. In the event that VGFN does not have the cash from these financial commitments right away, VGFN Chief and Council support interim financing the cost of the Snow Road project for an amount up to a maximum of the Snow Road Contract from the $3,372,732 Vuntut Gwitchin Trust promissory note funds currently held by VGFN;
9. ATTI is experienced, knowledgeable and has the appropriate assets to complete the Project;
10. The Chief and Council has the authority to award contracts and service agreements.

3. The Council of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“Council”) has the authority to appoint members to boards and committees of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation;
4. Council Resolution CO2024-05 appointed members and alternates to the Enrollment Committee.
5. An Elder with significant knowledge of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation ancestry has expressed interest in serving on the Enrollment Committee; and
6. Council wishes to appoint an additional member to the Committee.

1. The government of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) manages the import and sale of fuel;
2. VGFN has a set price for fuel for residents and non-residents and has not changed these prices for a number of years;
3. Fuel costs have increased but this increase has not been reflected in the fuel prices charged by VGFN; and
4. Council wishes to set new fuel prices in order to help cover costs.

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government Council (“Council”) established the Terms of Reference for the Vuntut Gwitchin Government Disbursement Committee (“Committee”) through Council Resolution 02-17-2023-#04 which tasked the Committee with making decisions on the disbursement of government funds, resources, and benefits in accordance with government program criteria;
2. The Committee considered the allocation of housing units during a meeting of the Committee on February 28, 2024;
3. The Committee has provided a recommendation to Council regarding the allocation of housing units;
4. Council has considered the Committee’s recommendation.

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government Council (“Council”) established the Terms of Reference for the Vuntut Gwitchin Government Disbursement Committee (“Committee”) through Council Resolution 02-17-2023-#04 which tasked the Committee with making decisions on the disbursement of government funds, resources, and benefits in accordance with government program criteria;
2. The Committee considered requests received for education and training funding during a meeting of the Committee on February 28, 2024;
3. The Committee has provided a recommendation to Council regarding the allocation of funding for education and training;
4. Council has considered the Committee’s recommendation.

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution calls for either the Chief or Deputy Chief to be present on the Traditional Territory at all times;
2. From time to time the Chief and Deputy Chief must attend to matters outside the Traditional Territory, such as government business or family matters;
3. Chief Pauline Frost and Deputy Chief Harold Frost Jr. are each required to travel out of the Traditional Territory from March 14 to March 19, 2024;
4. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Constitution states that in the event that both the Chief and Deputy Chief must be absent, an interim Deputy Chief shall be appointed.

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) Constitution establishes a Council as a branch of the government of VGFN;
2. Council has the duties and powers prescribed to it under the Constitution to, among others, set clear policies and guidelines and ensure good management and reporting in all aspects of the government within the jurisdiction of the Council;
3. Decisions of Council are made through Council Resolution;
4. VGFN would benefit from a clearer, more user-friendly, template for Council Resolutions;
5. VGFN would benefit from timelier signatures on Council Resolutions;
6. Council has reviewed the proposed template for Council Resolutions.

1. Section 6 (1) of the Vuntut Gwitchin Governance Act, states “On the recommendation of the Chief, the Council shall, by resolution, appoint a person to be the Executive Director”;
2. Section 6(2) states “The Executive Director is the senior administrative officer of the government and reports to the Chief”; and
3. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief and Council wish to appoint an Executive Director.

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) Constitution establishes a Chief and Council;
2. Per Part 2 of the Governance Act, Council appoints an Executive Director as the senior administrative officer of the government;
3. The Executive Director shall direct all the affairs of the government, other than the financial affairs assigned to the Director of Finance;
4. The organization of Vuntut Gwitchin Government is an administrative responsibility of the Executive Director; and
5. The Executive Director has provided a proposed revised Organization Chart of Vuntut Gwitchin Government to Council for their consideration in relation to budgetary requirements.

1. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) entered into the VGFN Self-Government Financial Transfer Agreement with Canada effective April 1, 2019 (“SGFTA”) pursuant to 16.1 of the VGFN Self-Government Agreement;
2. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (“VGFN”) and Canada extended the term of the SGFTA by one year to a term that now ends March 31, 2025; and
3. The Job Evaluation Plan informed new salary bands in the 2023-24 Salary Table; and
4. VGFN and Canada now wish to amend the SGFTA in accordance with its provisions to:

• provide a total of $44,573 in enhanced funding to support post-secondary education programming for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year as set out in the “Post-Secondary Education Program Amendment” attached to this resolution as Schedule 1;
• provide a total of $168,943 in funding to support adult education programming for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year and $168,943 for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year as set out in the “Adult Education Program Amendment” attached to this resolution as Schedule 2;
• provide a total of $102,938 in enhanced funding to support family violence prevention programming for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year as set out in the “Family Violence Amendment” attached to this resolution as Schedule 3; and
• provide a total of $87,870 in enhanced funding to support capital infrastructure priorities for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year and $87,870 for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year as set out in the “Infrastructure NO. 4” attached to this resolution as Schedule 4; and
• provide a total of $620,164 in enhanced funding to support Indigenous language programming for the 2023-24 fiscal year as set out in the “Indigenous Languages (“ILC”)  NO.3 attached to this resolution as Schedule 5; (collectively, the “SGFTA Amendment Agreements”); and

5. Council has reviewed and considered the SGFTA Amendment Agreements.

1. Continuing work towards the formation of a First Nations Energy Working Group (YFNEWG) was endorsed by Leadership at the Council of Yukon First Nation (CYFN) First Nation Energy Summit, which took place in December 2023;
2. The mandate of the YFNEWG would be to produce recommended next steps surrounding key priority areas identified during the Energy Summit;
3. VGG representatives at the Summit and other meetings have emphasized that the interests of Old Crow as an off-grid community with limited access must be taken into account by the working group for it to be effective for VGFN;
4. The draft terms of reference for the YFNEWG are generally acceptable but should make specific reference to First Nations with off-grid remote communities; and
5. The YFNEWG may provide increased access to opportunities for VGFN, but experience with the working group is needed to determine if there is a long-term benefit to VGFN.

1. Parks Canada has prepared a revised management plan for Vuntut National Park based on collaborative review by Canada and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) considers the control of its Citizenship to be its fundamental right and responsibility;
2. The VGFN Constitution establishes procedures for citizenship for VGFN;
3. Per Article III Citizenship of the Constitution, citizenship of VGFN shall be determined by the Citizenship Code of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation through the authority of the Review Council;
4. Article XII Review Council states that the Review Council means the body responsible for serving as the Citizenship/ Enrollment Committee;
5. VGFN does not currently have a Review Council nor legislation that sets out the scope and authority of the Review Council;
6. Article IX Council Duties and Powers of the Constitution states that the duties and powers of the Council also shall include exercising such powers and doing such things as may be necessary to fulfill the objects of this Constitution;
7. In absence of the Review Council, Council is choosing to strike an Enrollment Committee to support the Enrollment Officer in the review current enrollment list and to consider future enrollment applications; and
8. Council has the authority to appoint members to boards, committees and Councils of VGFN.

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government (“VGG”) strives for strategic and effective management of employees starting with a fair and inclusive hiring process.
2. The VGG Human Resources Department is responsible for leading the hiring process;
3. Ensuring that a broad range of perspectives are included when evaluating potential candidates would contribute to fair and inclusive decisions;
4. Council wishes to strike a Hiring Committee to support the VGG Human Resources Department hiring process; and
5. Council has the authority to appoint members to boards, committees and Councils of VGFN.

1. Under the direction of Chief and Council, the Vuntut Gwitchin Government (“VGG”) is prioritizing the health and well-being of our citizens;
2. The VGG Health and Social Services Department is currently developing a Community Wellness Strategy with goals that will focus on enhancing the well-being of our people;
3. Council wishes to strike a Health and Wellness Committee, as an advisory body to Council, to support the VGG Health and Social Services Department in supporting the health and well-being of our citizens including through the implementation of the Community Wellness Strategy; and
4. Council has the authority to appoint members to boards, committees and Councils of VGFN

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) Constitution establishes the Vuntut Gwitchin Government (VGG) and a Council;
2. Council has the duties and powers prescribed to it under the Constitution to, among others, set clear policies and guidelines and ensure good management and reporting in all aspects of the Vuntut Gwitchin Government within the jurisdiction of the Council;
3. VGG owns a number of housing units in Old Crow that make up the rental housing inventory of the VGG housing program which is operated in accordance with the VGG 2006 Housing Policy (“Housing Policy”); and
4. Council wishes to update the 2006 Housing Policy; and

1. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government (“VGG”) underwent a re-organization and re-structuring exercise under the previous Chief and Council which included using the VGG Job Evaluation Plan (“Job Evaluation Plan”) to assess jobs so that VGG is compensating employees fairly and managing the government’s fiscal resources responsibly;
2. The Vuntut Gwitchin Government has completed a review of its internal structure in accordance with Council Resolution 01-20-2023-#02;
3. The Job Evaluation Plan informed new salary bands in the 2023-24 Salary Table; and
4. The Job Evaluation Plan was never formally approved.