YELLOWKNIFE (May 11, 2015) –  Premier Bob McLeod and President James Wilson signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Capacity Building between the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC).

“Strong governments at all levels are critical to building a strong, prosperous territory that provides jobs and opportunities for all its residents,” said Premier McLeod. “This agreement and our ongoing partnership with the Gwich’in Tribal Council will help strengthen both our governments and encourages the employment of Gwich’in in the public service and public agencies. We are committed to working together with the Gwich’in Tribal Council to advance our common goals of recruiting, improving and retaining capacity in the Northwest Territories.” 

“This MOU represents an historic investment in Gwich’in workers and will serve to create another strong foundation for partnership between the GTC and the GNWT,” said President Wilson.

The Agreement is for a five year term and commits both governments to explore internship opportunities for Gwich’in employees in the GNWT.  The parties will develop a joint internship pilot project that will provide for full-time employment opportunities with the GNWT for up to a maximum of nine Gwich’in workers.  Interns will have the opportunity to gain work experience with the GTC and the GNWT for work placements of up to 12 consecutive months in each organization.

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

Patrick Tomlinson
Gwich’in Tribal Council
Tel: 867-777-7900