Old Crow petition calls for new Vuntut Gwitchin leadership

A petition is circulating in Old Crow to have the chief and council ousted.

Dozens of Vuntut Gwitchin membershave signed a petition stating a "loss of confidence and good standing" in their leadership.

"The government's slowed right down," said David Frost, an Old Crow resident. "Decisions aren't being made and we're losing a lot of good staff because of it."

Frost said two councillors have recently resigned, whichleavesonly the deputy chief and one sitting councillor to support Chief RogerKyikavichik. One moreresignation will spark an election because of quorum requirements.

Frost said a petition with about 40 signatures has been delivered to chief and council. He said another petition is circulating for Vuntut Gwitchin beneficiariesinWhitehorse.

Frostsaid community dissatisfaction is not related to a sexual assault charge filed against Kyikavichik in December.

"This government was in jeopardy long before the charges ever came up," Frost said. "It's got nothing to do with that."

The First Nation's constitution says a chief must be convicted of an indictable offence before the chief can be removed from office.