Contact Information
Executive Director
Gwich'in Land and Water Board
- P.O. Box 2018 Inuvik NT X0E 0T0
Telephone (867) 777-4954
Fax (867) 777-2304
Function
The Gwich’in Land and Water Board consider applications for the use of land and waters and the deposit of waste in the Gwich’in Settlement Area.
Jurisdiction
Government of Canada
Department Responsible
Department of Environment and Climate Change
Authority
Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (Canada)
Board Composition
The Board consists of four members, plus the Chairperson.
Two members are nominated by the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC); one member is nominated by the Government of the Northwest Territories; and one member is nominated by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
Alternate Members
The federal Minister may appoint alternate members nominated by Gwich’in Tribal Council or the Government of the Northwest Territories to act in the event of an absence or incapacity of members.
Chairperson
The Chairperson is nominated by a majority of the Board members and appointed by the federal Minister.
Vice-Chairperson
There is no Vice-Chairperson.
Quorum
Quorum is three members, including one member appointed on the nomination of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, one member appointed by government, and the Chairperson.
Appointment Instrument
Members are appointed by the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada under section 54 of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act.
Term Duration
A member holds office for a term of three years and may be eligible for reappointment.
Time and Travel Requirements
The Board meets generally in Inuvik approximately 8 to 10 times per year. Meetings can take 1 to 2 days and can involve a public hearing, if deemed necessary.
One travel day may be required for members who do not reside in Inuvik and two days of analytical time may be required for each meeting.
Remuneration
Members of a board shall be paid such fees or other remuneration as the federal Minister may fix:
Chairperson - $500 per diem
Member - $375 per diem
Other Considerations
Neither the Chairperson or nor members have to reside in the Gwich’in Settlement Area.
The federal Minister can only remove appointed members, including the Chairperson, following consultation with the applicable nominating organization.
It is important to have members who are familiar with the area.
Members with resource management knowledge and experience would be a benefit to the Board.
Members with technical or traditional knowledge would be an asset.
Current Membership
| 1. Chair | Elizabeth Wright | 2024-05-10 | 2027-05-09 | 3rd term |
| 2. Member (GNWT) |
William Koe | 2024-02-27 | 2027-02-26 | 1st term |
| 3. Member (Canada) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | |||
| 4. Member (GTC) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | |||
| 5. Member (GTC) |
Deanna Smith | 2022-11-28 | 2025-11-27 | 2nd term |
(Board details as of Aug 02, 2024)