Board of Directors
GCI is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, composed of four members appointed by the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments (CATG), two members appointed by Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN), and two members appointed by Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC). Canada and Alaska each appoint a co-chair from its members.
Edward Alexander, Co-Chair (CATG)
Edward Alexander is Co-Chair of Gwich’in Council International and Head of Delegation to the Senior Arctic Officials, Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna and Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response working groups. He has served in a variety of leadership roles over the past twenty years, including as the 2nd Chief of the Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in. He loves to be on the land in Gwich’in country, fishing, hunting, and exploring cultural sites.
Edward has a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, and fought wildland fire for 8 seasons to put himself through university. He worked as a secondary teacher, principal, in administration, and at the University of Alaska Fairbanks managing the Yukon Flats Campus. He also served as the Education Director for the Tanana Chiefs Conference, which works for 37 Federally Recognized Tribes. He is active on many boards and committees primarily focused on issues of Gwich’in language revitalization, education, and social and environmental justice.
kris statnyk, co-chair (VGFN)
Kris Statnyk (he/him) is a citizen of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. Kris is the son of Marie Statnyk (Bruce) and grandson of the late Dr. Reverend Ellen Bruce, Robert Bruce Sr. and Agnes Mills of Old Crow, Yukon.
Kris is an Indigenous rights lawyer who works with Indigenous communities in support of their rights to self-determination. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at University of Alberta and a Juris Doctor at the University of Victoria, Faculty of Law. Kris currently lives within the Gitxsan Nation territory in New Hazelton, BC, together with his wife and son who are Gitxsan.
Kris is inspired by the history of his ancestors and the Gwich’in Nation, and is honoured to continue their legacy of working together ‘in a good way’ for the survival, dignity and well-being of all our relations.
Sam Alexander (CATG)
Sam Alexander is a board member at Gwich’in Council International. Sam grew up in Fort Yukon, Alaska where his father was the traditional chief of the Gwichyaa Gwich’in Tribe of Northern Alaska. He spent much of his childhood exploring the Yukon Flats and the Northeastern Brooks Range, living the traditional Gwich’in lifestyle as was taught to him by the elders of his tribe.
Sam graduated from the United States Military Academy and spent ten years as a US Army officer, leaving as a Major in the US Army Special Forces (Green Berets). Following his time in the Army, Sam graduated from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, he became the co-founder and CEO of Latitude six-six, where he takes people on incredible expeditions to showcase his home. In addition to guiding, Sam is a full time faculty member at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Program.
stephanie Baryluk (GTC)
Steph Baryluk, a proud Teetl’it Gwich’in from Teetl’it Zheh (Fort McPherson) in Treaty 11 Territory, draws deep inspiration from her Arctic upbringing, where hunting, fishing, and land stewardship shaped her connection to food and culture. With over 10 years of experience in the Culinary Industry, Steph is passionate about preserving and sharing Indigenous culinary traditions through her creations and educational initiatives. Steph is a leader in advancing Indigenous food systems she combines her culinary expertise with advocacy, inspiring future generations and promoting sustainability and cultural heritage on a global stage.
Taa’ąįį Ch’igii Onta’ (Evon Peter) (CATG)
Taa’ąįį Ch’igii Onta’ is Neets’ąįį Gwich’in from Vashrąįį K'ǫǫ (Arctic Village), Alaska. He is an advocate of Indigenous knowledges, languages, and rights, especially as they relate to the health, well-being, and sustainability of communities. Taa’ąįį is a senior research scientist at the Center for Alaska Native Health Research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and the Gwich’in language director for the Arctic Village Council. He serves as a board member of the Gwich’in Council International and the Gwich’in Social & Cultural Institute of Alaska. Taa’ąįį has previously served as the tribal chief for Vashrąįį K'ǫǫ and as vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education at UAF. His work focuses on incorporating Indigenous knowledge and practices into healing, leadership development, and Dinjii Zhuh K’yàa (Gwich’in language) programs. He holds a baccalaureate degree in Alaska Native studies and a masters degree in rural development.
Christine Creyke (VGFN)
Christine Creyke is Vuntut Gwitchin and Tahltan First Nation from Northern British Columbia, currently residing in Old Crow, Yukon. For as long as Christine can remember, she has always had a strong passion for participating and being a part of community development, specifically around cultural practices. Christine has a deep understanding of Gwich’in governance, culture, way of life, and has been focusing her energy on being a healthy active community member. Christine enjoys working with Youth and jumps at every opportunity to share her skills and life experience.
In Christine's spare time, she enjoys tanning hides and sewing/beading with the materials she makes. The traditional hide tanning teachings/knowledge that have been shared with Christine have inspired her to think about land and wildlife management at different scales. Recently, Christine was appointed to Gwich’in Council International where she will be able to share her knowledge/experience with land planning and resource management. Christine holds a Graduate Degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies. Christine shares "I have a great respect for the land and all that it provides. The health of the land and water is my biggest passion."
Living with the land has been Christine's biggest teacher, understanding the health of the land and animals allows her to better appreciate the value of the materials she uses in her sewing/art projects. Christine's Grandmother Ethel Frost beaded/sewed warm, practical, beautiful garments for her husband Stephan Frost Sr. and their eleven children (and grandchildren) with fur that Grandpa Stephan trapped. Christine shares "They are my biggest influence and I strive to build warm practical garments to keep the people I love on the land doing the things that keep our culture and traditions alive."
charleen fisher (CATG)
Drin Gwinzii Ch’anjaa naii, Khehkwaii naii, ts’a’ shalak naii, nakhweenjit dagoonchy’aa? Shoozhri’ Charleen Fisher oozhii. Shitsuu naii Charlotte Adams ts’a’ Kitson Fisher goovoozhrii. Shitsii naii Salvin Adams ts’a’ Admiral John R. Fisher goovoozhrii. Shitsuu naii ts’a shitsii naii tth’aii goondaii kwaa. Shiiyehghan naii Giinkhyii Scott O. Fisher ts’a’ Margaret Ann Fisher t’iginch’yaa. Shahan Ann vakwaa. Shachaa Shane oozhrii gaa vakwaa. Shijuu Rebecca oozhrii. Shakhoo William oozhii. Shuu Monica Margaret oozhii. Shakai’ Darrel Salmon oozhii, Draanjik Gwich’in inch’yaa. Sheyeets’i’ naii Shelby, Julia, Allyson ts’a’ Shani t’iginch’yaa. Shitseii Hunter oozhii. Beaver, Alaska gwats’an ihłii. Tseeduu Gwich’in ihłii.
Good Afternoon Elders, Chiefs and all my relations, how are you all? My name is Charleen Fisher. My grandmother’s names are Charlotte Adams and Kitson Fisher. My grandfather’s names are Salvin Adams and Admiral John R. Fisher. My grandmothers and grandfathers are deceased. My parents are Reverend Scott and Margaret Ann Fisher. My mother, Ann is deceased. My younger brother’s name was Shane but he is deceased. My younger sister’s name is Rebecca. My nephew’s name is William. My niece’s name is Monica Margaret. My husband’s name is Darrel. My husband is Draanjik Gwich’in. My daughter’s names are Shelby, Julia, Allyson, and Shani. My grandchild’s name is Hunter. I am from Beaver, Alaska. I am a Beaver Gwich’in.
Sharla Greenland (GTC)
Sharla Greenland is the youngest daughter of Freddie and Bella Greenland. She is Ehditaat Gwich'in on her father's side and Vuntut Gwich'in on her mother's. Sharla was raised in Aklavik NT, and enjoyed most of her childhood summers in Old Crow YT. She spent much of her early years on her family trap-line in the Mackenzie Delta, as well as on family hunting trips up the Porcupine River, learning the Gwich'in lifestyle from her parents, grandparents and the elders in her communities.
Sharla is passionate about youth wellness and is an advocate for reconnecting and strengthening cultural practices as the foundation of community health and identity. She completed a Masters of Education from Acadia University and served within the education field for 12 years. Currently, she is the Director of Nation Building and Self-Determination for the Gwich’in Tribal Council and lives in Inuvik NT with her husband Pat and their dog Jake.
Past Board Members
We are grateful to all those who have volunteered time and expertise as past Board Members and volunteers. During periods of transition, Board Members may mentor others or retain portfolios to ensure continuity.
