Gwich'in Tribal Council Deputy Grand Chief Kristine McLeod dies at 38

The deputy grand chief for the Gwich'in Tribal Council, Kristine McLeod, has died, the council announced last night. According to a post on Facebook, her death which happened on Sunday morning, just five days after her 38th birthdaywas unexpected.

"At this moment, the thoughts, prayers and attention of our organization and Nation are with her family," the council wrote.

"The board, executive and staff of the GTCmourn the immeasurable loss of our friend, relative, mother and leader."

McLeod, who was originally from Inuvik, N.W.T., was elected deputy grand chief in September 2020.She told CBC at the time that sheknew from a young age that she would be running for leadership roles in her nation.

McLeod has also lived in Yellowknife, workingfor the government of the Northwest Territories as the manager of financial planning and budgeting with the Department of Finance. She also served on the Gwich'in Settlement Corporation for severalyears,includingas vice-chair andas the chairperson.

1 other injured in single vehicle accident

In a news release on Monday, Inuvik RCMP said they received a call for service regarding a single vehicle accidenton the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway, around 7:15 a.m. on Sunday.

Police confirmed a 38-year-old woman was found deadupon arrival about 20 kilometres north of Inuvik.

The localfire department and emergency medical services also attended.

A 25-year-old man was taken to Inuvik for treatment of injuries, and was later transported by medevac to Yellowknife for further treatment.

RCMP say it's investigating and have called in anRCMP traffic collision analyst to help, along with the N.W.T. coroner services.

"NT RCMP sends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased woman," the news release reads.