Franka Cordua-von Specht announced she will be leaving Old Crow for a teaching position in Whitehorse, Yukon. She initially came to Old Crow in 1992. For two years she worked for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in the Lands Department. Here she assisted citizens to interpret the Vuntut Gwitchin Final Agreement. She was able to simplify the legal language. This aided the people in the community to understand the final agreement. She left the community in 1994 to upgrade her education.

In the fall of 1998, Franka returned to Old Crow after completing a Bachelor of Education at UBC. Her appreciation for the community, her teaching skills, and most importantly, her warmth made her an excellent choice as the Office/Business Administration Program instructor at Yukon College. Ten students completed this one-year program.

For two and a half years she has been helping this community become computer literate. In addition, she and her students initiated the Gwinoo News, which has become a popular monthly newsletter in Old Crow.

On February 1, 2001 she was honoured in a farewell luncheon at the Alice Frost Community Campus. People spoke of her kindness, friendliness, hard work and generosity of spirit. She spoke of the warmth of the people in Old Crow and the bond she felt with them.

She will be teaching the Office Administration Program at Yukon College in Whitehorse and continues to encourage students to pursue their dreams.

The Vuntut Gwitchin Chief and Council and Staff wish Franka all the best in her new endeavors and thank her for her support over the years.