colour_block_gnwt.jpg

Gwich'in Land and Water Board

Overview

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

Position Appointee Term Start Term Expiry Number of Terms Appointed By Nominating Authority
1. Chair Elizabeth Wright 2024-05-10 2027-05-09 3rd term Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Members of the Board
2. Member
(GNWT)
William Koe 2024-02-27 2027-02-26 1st term Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Government of the Northwest Territories
3. Member
(Canada)
(Vacant - 3 year term) Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
4. Member
(GTC)
(Vacant - 3 year term) Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Gwich'in Tribal Council
5. Member
(GTC)
Deanna Smith 2022-11-28 2025-11-27 2nd term Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Gwich'in Tribal Council

(Board details as of Dec 13, 2024)