The people of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation are concerned about maintaining their traditional lifestyle. They have lobbied to ensure that the breeding ground of the Porcupine Caribou herd is not affected by developments in Alaska, and that their rights, and the rights of the larger Gwich'in Nation, to pursue traditional activities are supported.
With support from the Canadian Aboriginal Economic Development Strategy, the Vuntut Gwitchin are also looking at economic and community development projects that could provide employment opportunities. Although the Vuntut Gwitchin are isolated by distance and lack of road access or easy transportation, they have made effective use of the Internet to link to the outside world.
Nearby Vuntut National Park and Ni'iinlii' Njik Wilderness Preserve and Ecological Reserve could provide some employment for Old Crow residents in the future. Ni'iinlii' Njik includes Bear Cave Mountain and the Fishing Branch River, where spawning salmon attract grizzly bears each fall. The First Nation is a full partner in wildlife and wildlife habitat management in both the park and the Wilderness Preserve and Ecological Reserve. Vuntut Gwitchin people will be a major part of future research, administration and enforcement.
Old Crow is far off the beaten path, but it is likely that there will be tourist interest in the area. Attractions include pristine wilderness areas near the community, Vuntut National Park, and the culture and traditional lifestyle of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. Visitors, especially government representatives and scientists, already travel to Old Crow. Further accommodation and food services might be provided for them.
The skills required to operate accommodation and food services will be very important in establishing tourism activity in Old Crow or providing more services for government or business visitors. Communication skills are also important, both in using the Internet for marketing and in providing information and services to visitors. Other emerging needs are community development skills, in both economic and social services fields.
