Trimble Gilbert – 1st Traditional Chief

Trimble Gilbert is a Gwich’in Athabascan Elder and speaker of Dinjii Zhuh Ginjik, the Gwich’in language. Trimble Gilbert was born in 1935 at a trapping camp 70 miles from Arctic Village, where he currently lives a traditional Athabascan lifestyle. Trimble currently serves as First Traditional Chief of the TCC region, is an Episcopal priest and a renowned fiddle player and music educator who has performed throughout the United States and Canada. In 2016, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Trimble previously served as Second Traditional Chief of TCC from 2009-2021. He is a culture bearer and a fluent speak of Dinjii Zhuh Ginjik, the Gwich’in language.

Watch Chief Gilbert's Legacy of Our Elders video below