Created in 2004, Gwich’in Helicopters is a majority Gwich’in-owned and controlled joint-venture partnership operating in the Gwich’in Settlement Area in the NWT.
Based in Inuvik, its ownership includes the Gwich’in Development Corporation which holds 51% of the company as well as minority owner Great Slave Helicopters. All flight operations for Gwich’in Helicopters are conducted by its minority partner Great Slave Helicopters.
Gwich’in Helicopters has invested in their own BK 117 850 D2. They have a hangar/office complex adjacent to the Mike Zubko Airport in Inuvik.
The Gwich’in Development Corporation is a wholly owned business subsidiary of the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC). Under the terms of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, the GTC was granted ownership of 16,264 square kilometers of land in parcels located throughout the Gwich’in Settlement Area and the Yukon. The GTC is responsible for administering these lands and managing the resources connected with them for the benefit of all Gwich’in beneficiaries.
A fundamental goal of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claims Agreement is to have Gwich’in beneficiaries and Gwich’in-owned businesses participate fully in all aspects of the economy. The Gwich’in Tribal Council developed a business policy whereby opportunities can be effectively shared with Gwich’in beneficiaries. As a majority Gwich’in-owned company, Gwich’in Helicopters should always be considered as a preferred supplier by companies or organizations requiring contract rotary-wing services within the Gwich’in Settlement Area.
As the only majority Gwich’in-owned helicopter company, Gwich’in Helicopters should be provided the first opportunity to supply any helicopter services required at a commercially viable rate through a negotiated contract. Gwich’in Helicopters is well-positioned to meet the needs of companies involved in infrastructure planning and development, wildlife surveys, search and rescue missions, mineral exploration, as well as oil and gas industry activity given its proximity to the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway route and the Mackenzie Gas Project.