Gwich’in Tribal Council says no audited financials available as general assembly set to begin

The Gwich’in Tribal Council office in Inuvik, N.W.T. (Dez Loreen/CBC)

The tribal council alleges financial irregularities made audited reporting impossible

The Gwich’in Tribal Council will begin its annual general assembly Wednesday in Tsiigehtchic, N.W.T., but it will not be releasing audited financial statements, according to a news release issued by the organization Tuesday evening.

The presentation of audited financial statements is a routine part of annual general assemblies.

The council largely blamed the situation on delays getting financial information from the Gwich’in Development Corporation (GDC), which is wholly owned by the tribal council, alluding to “failures with the GDC” that “obstructed completion of its audited statements.”

Among the alleged failures is what the press release describes as a phishing incident at the GDC that led to the transfer of $360,000 from a GDC account to an unknown account.

None of the allegations made in the press release have been tested in court.

“The Gwich’in deserve clarity and integrity in the stewardship of their assets. The actions that have delayed this process are unacceptable, and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure these matters are addressed and resolved in the best interests of the Gwich’in Nation,” said Mark Roth, chief financial officer of the Gwich’in Tribal Council in the press release.

This year’s annual general assembly runs until Aug. 22 at the Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic.

Related stories from around the North: 

Canada: Tłı̨chǫ Government marks 20 years since landmark self-government agreement, CBC News

Finland: Finnish Court annuls 2023 Sámi elections, The Independent Barents Observer

Norway: Silje Karine Muotka is new President of the Sámi Parliament in Norway, The Independent Barents Observer

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