The economy of Old Crow and the Vuntut Gwitchin is largely traditional and subsistence-based. Many people rely on traditional hunting, fishing, and trapping activities for food. The Vuntut Gwitchin people have relied on the Porcupine Caribou herd for generations. They use the caribou for food, as well as for hides, clothing, and other purposes; people make sure that no part of the caribou is wasted. Some seasonal work in hunting and fishing also provides income.
A very limited market-based economy in Old Crow supplements traditional activities. Government services provide a significant share of total employment in the market, or money, economy. More than half of measurable employment falls into this category. Government services in Old Crow include the First Nation government and administration of services for First Nation members, as well as territorial and other government services like policing.
Since the Vuntut Gwitchin Council is responsible for providing most services in Old Crow, First Nation government employment includes such things as construction, building maintenance water and fuel delivery and similar services. First Nation government activities also involve social services and support for the elderly. Other First Nation employees find seasonal work in projects run by the First Nation or in seasonal federal and territorial jobs.
Education and health care also provide some employment. The Northern Store employs several people from the community. Other industry sectors either offer no employment in Old Crow or in numbers too small to measure.
