Gwich’in Tribal Council Grand Chief Ken Kyikavichik has moved to Edmonton.
The Gwich’in Tribal Council confirmed the chief has relocated in a statement submitted to Inuvik Drum.
“I am able to confirm that Grand Chief Ken Kyikavichik has moved his residence to Edmonton and this decision was made for both personal and practical reasons,” said GTC communications officer Tony Devlin. “The grand chief will work out of either the Inuvik head office or from Teetl’it Zheh 7-10 days per month and will continue to remain directly available to participants both inside and outside of the Gwich’in Settlement Area.
“This also alleviates the impact of the cost and inefficiencies associated with his frequent required travel through Edmonton for GTC and his role as lead negotiator for Gwich’in Government negotiations and as chair of the Gwich’in Development Corporation,” the statement continues. “The grand chief’s movements and activities are governed by an employment agreement that is managed by the board of directors. There are no requirements for residency of the grand chief in the bylaws of the GTC.”
With the move, Kyikavichik joins the GTC’s chief operating officer and chief financial office, as well as the executive director, in living outside the GSA.
According to Canadian North’s website, airfare for a round trip from Inuvik to Edmonton costs between $2,000 and $3,000.