Kris Statnyk named new Head of Delegation for Gwich’in Council International
Gwich’in Council International (GCI) has named Kris Statnyk as its new Head of Delegation to the Arctic Council, taking over the role during the Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship.
Statnyk steps into the position following Edward Alexander, who held the role during Norway’s 2023–2025 Chairship while also serving as GCI co-chair and co-lead of the Wildland Fire Initiative.
“We are thrilled that Kris Statnyk, one of our Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens and a trained lawyer, will assume the Head of Delegation role,” Chief Pauline Frost of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation said in a statement.
“We extend a Haii’ — a heartfelt thank you — to Edward and his family for his dedication and years of service to the Gwich’in.”
Statnyk is a member of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and currently lives in New Hazelton, B.C.
He’s a lawyer specialized in Indigenous rights and has served as co-chair of GCI since August 2024. His background includes a political science degree from the University of Alberta and a law degree from the University of Victoria.
Indigenous leaders have praised Alexander’s efforts, particularly during what they describe as a critical time for Gwich’in representation on the international stage.
“His commitment and efforts in advancing our Nation’s priorities have been truly invaluable,” said Chief Rhonda Pitka, Chair of the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments.
“He gave wholeheartedly to the Head of Delegation and making sure our voices were heard on the international forum.”
GCI is one of six Indigenous Permanent Participants at the Arctic Council, an international forum that also includes the eight Arctic nations: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States.
The forum works on sustainable development and environmental protection in the North.
GCI said it looks forward to working closely with the incoming Arctic Council chairship team.
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Related stories from around the North:
Denmark: Denmark takes over rotating Arctic Council chairship from Norway, Eye on the Arctic
Russia: Call for Arctic Council to include Russian Indigenous groups in exile in working groups, The Independent Barents Observer
