One of the territory's longest-serving chiefs will not be seeking re-election this fall.

Chief Joe Linklater of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation told the Star this week he has mentioned his plans to step down at a couple of public meetings already.

He will make an official announcement at the First Nation's general assembly next week.

"It's the right time,” Linklater said. "I've accomplished what I wanted to accomplish.

"I thought it would take a couple of years, but it took 12,” he chuckled.

Asked what he'll do now, he said, "Sleep.”

The veteran chief said he moved back to Old Crow to give himself a chance to spend more time out on the land and travelling the rivers.

For the most part, he said, his responsibilties as chief have consumed his time.

"I am going to sleep,” he continued with a laugh. "When I wake up, I will decide what I am going to do.”

Linklater said it's a good time, politically, for a fresh leader to take over as the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation continues to grow into its self-governing authority.