Overview
Function
The Sahtu Land and Water Board considers applications for the use of land and waters and the deposit of waste in the Sahtu 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 Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, 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 Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated 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 Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, one member appointed by government, and the Chairperson.
Appointment Instrument
Members are appointed by the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada under section 56 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 generally meets approximately 10 times per year in Fort Good Hope, where its office is located.
Meetings are usually one to two days and can involve a public hearing, if deemed necessary by the Board.
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 nor members have to reside in the Sahtu 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 | Valerie Gordon | 2024-02-16 | 2027-02-15 | 1st term | Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada | Board members |
2. Member (SSI) |
George Barnaby | 2024-01-09 | 2027-01-08 | 4th term | Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada | Sahtu Secretariat Inc. |
3. Member (Canada) |
Violet Doolittle | 2024-05-10 | 2027-05-09 | 9th term | Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada | Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada |
4. Member (GNWT) |
Philippe di Pizzo | 2023-07-04 | 2026-07-03 | 4th term | Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada | GNWT |
5. Member (SSI) |
Gina Dolphus | 2022-04-14 | 2025-04-13 | 1st term | Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada | Sahtu Secretariat Inc. |