Gwich’in Day

Gwich’in Day, observed each year on April 22, is a meaningful community celebration in Inuvik that honours the signing of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement in 1992. The day is an opportunity to recognize Gwich’in history, rights, and self-determination, while also celebrating the living culture that continues to guide families and communities across the region.

For many people, Gwich’in Day is both reflective and joyful. It’s a time to gather, listen, learn, and reconnect—through stories, ceremony, and cultural presentations that highlight language, tradition, and the enduring relationship to the land. Visitors are welcome to attend public events and are encouraged to approach the day with respect and curiosity.

What to expect

Programming can vary from year to year, but Gwich’in Day often includes community events that share culture in ways that feel personal and grounded. You may see or take part in activities such as:

• Traditional ceremonies: Community-led moments of recognition and honouring.
• Storytelling: Elders and knowledge holders sharing history, teachings, and lived experience.
• Cultural presentations: Opportunities to learn about Gwich’in identity, land-based knowledge, and community priorities.
• Community gatherings: Informal time to visit, reconnect, and share the day together.

Why Gwich’in Day matters

The Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement marked a major step forward in modern Indigenous governance and the ability for Gwich’in communities to shape their own future. Gwich’in Day recognizes that milestone while also celebrating what continues beyond the agreement: the strength of culture, the importance of language, and the relationships that connect people across generations and communities.

Planning your visit

Gwich’in Day takes place on April 22. Event schedules and locations can change depending on the year, so it’s a good idea to look for local updates closer to the date. If you are visiting from out of town, consider attending with an open mind and giving yourself time to experience the day at a respectful, community pace.