The Vuntut Gwitchin of the Northern Yukon belong to the Athapaskan language family and their traditional area of use extends far into Alaska and the Northwest Territories, which they share with other Gwich'in groups. One of the oldest archaeological sites of North America, the Bluefish Caves Site, is located in the Vuntut Gwitchin's traditional territory. The ancient ancestors of the Gwich'in have inhabited the land for at least 15,000 years, according to archaeological findings. The people of Old Crow are known as the Vuntut Gwitchin; their close relatives who lived in the Blackstone area are known as the Tukudh (Dagoo); and the people of the Peel River area are known as the Tetlit Gwich'in. Close relatives reside in the Alaskan villages of Fort Yukon and Arctic Village, and they are visited frequently.
The Vuntut Gwitchin followed a nomadic way of life and hunted caribou as a main source of their diet. The Porcupine Caribou herd remains a main staple of their diet today. In earlier times, they also relied heavily on the muskrat population that continues to be harvested at Crow Flats. Prior to settling in the village of Old Crow, a traditional hunting and fishing place, the Vuntut Gwitchin lived in Fort Yukon, Johnson House and LaPierre House and Whitestone Village, among other locations. They moved to Rampart House, a trading post, in 1867 when the U.S./Canada border was established.
The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation reported an enrolled beneficiary membership of 756 in 2004. Some First Nations members may not live and work in the community throughout the year. The First Nation administers most services in Old Crow and is actively involved in protecting a traditional lifestyle for its people.
Along with three other First Nations, the Vuntut Gwitchin signed their land claims and self-government agreements in 1993. The agreements came into effect in 1995. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement follows the structure laid out in the Umbrella Final Agreement but contains provisions specific to them. In particular, it helps safeguard the habitat of the Porcupine Caribou herd through the establishment of the Vuntut National Park. This park is managed cooperatively with Parks Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. The Vuntut Development Corporation is investing in a variety of business ventures, from Yukon airline Air North to a variety of local service businesses.
The First Nation government administration is based in new premises, the Abel-Chitzé Building, where they enjoy modern office conveniences, including high-speed internet. The recent establishment of a fully equipped film and video-editing suite has permitted the First Nation to produce videos and train people in production. Two videos have been made and aired on the national Aboriginal People's Television Network. Three film festivals have been attended so far and others are planned to promote the videos.
