About the Gwich'in Development Corporation

Fred Carmichael,
President

The Gwich’in Development Corporation (GDC) is 100% owned by the Gwich’in Tribal Council and was created shortly after the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement was signed in 1992. Essentially, the GDC is an investment company with two goals:

• To increase revenues through development activities occurring within the Gwich’in Settlement Region of the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
• To ensure Gwich’in beneficiaries are involved in training, employment and business opportunities created from these activities.

By forming partnerships with experienced companies who have an interest in resources and opportunities existing within the Gwich’in Settlement Area, the GDC continues to accomplish both these goals. Each partnership has proven to be successful in the competitive economy by combining outside expertise and technology with traditional knowledge and experience of geography and culture.

Currently, the GDC has 10 operating subsidiary companies that conduct business in five major industries including construction, real estate, hospitality, transportation and oil and gas. Through these subsidiary companies, the GDC employs approximately 75 full-time and 30 seasonal workers, most which are Gwich’in beneficiaries.

GDC’s headquarters are in Inuvik with operations being conducted in Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Yellowknife and Edmonton.

Successful Partnerships

The GDC actively seeks joint venture partnerships with companies who have interest in resources and opportunities existing within the GSA. GDC looks for companies that are interested in delivering profits to both partners, training for local residents and ensuring sustainable development of the land. By investing wisely in the economy, GDC is helping create opportunities for future generations.