Overview
Function
The Wek’eezhii Land and Water Board considers applications for the use of land and waters and the deposit of waste throughout the Wek’eezhii area except in a national park or a national historic park or site administered by Parks Canada.
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 appointed by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and two members are appointed by the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, based on a nomination from the Government of the Northwest Territories.
The authorities entitled to appoint members shall consult with each other before making an appointment.
Alternate Members
The federal Minister may appoint alternate members nominated by 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 is appointed jointly by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
Vice-Chairperson
There is no Vice-Chairperson.
Quorum
Quorum is three members, including one member appointed by the Tłı̨chǫ Government, one member appointed by government, and the Chairperson.
Appointment Instrument
Members are appointed by the appropriate appointing authority under section 57.1 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 18 times per year in Yellowknife and alternates in communities throughout the Wek’eezhii Area. This number may vary, dependent on applications received.
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 Wek’eezhii Area.
A member who has been appointed by the federal Minister may not be removed from office except after consultation with the Board, and where applicable, the Government of the Northwest Territories.
A member appointed by the Tłı̨chǫ Government may not be removed except after consultation with the Board and the federal Minister.
Current Membership
| Position | Appointee | Term Start | Term Expiry | Number of Terms | Appointed By | Nominating Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Chair | Mason Mantla | 2021-12-15 | 2024-12-14 | 1st term | Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada | Members of the Board |
| 2. Member (GNWT) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada | Government of the Northwest Territories | |||
| 3. Member (Canada) |
Rachel Crapeau | 2024-07-09 | 2027-07-08 | 3rd term | Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada | |
| 4. Member (Tłı̨chǫ) |
Jocelyn Zoe | 2021-12-21 | 2024-12-20 | 1st term | Tłı̨chǫ Government | |
| 5. Member (Tłı̨chǫ) |
Alex Nitsiza | 2021-12-21 | 2024-12-20 | 2nd term | Tłı̨chǫ Government |