colour_block_gnwt.jpg

Wek'eezhii Renewable Resources Board

Overview

Function

The Wek’eezhii Renewable Resources Board is responsible for managing wildlife and wildlife habitat in the Wek’eezhii area.

Jurisdiction

Government of Canada

Department Responsible

Department of Environment and Climate Change

Authority

Tłı̨chǫ Agreement (Canada)

Board Composition

The Board is composed of eight members, plus the Chairperson.

Two members are appointed by the Government of the Northwest Territories, two members are appointed by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (based on the one nomination each from Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Environment and Climate Change Canada), and four members are appointed by the Tłı̨chǫ Government.

All parties must consult with each other before making their appointments.

Alternate Members

There are no alternate members.

The Agreement does not provide for the appointment of alternate members on the Board.

Chairperson

The Chairperson is nominated by the members of the Board and appointed jointly by the Tłı̨chǫ Government, Government of the Northwest Territories, and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.

Vice-Chairperson

There is no Vice-Chairperson.

Quorum

Quorum is three members, including one of the members appointed by either the federal or territorial government, one appointed by the Tłı̨chǫ Government, and the Chairperson.

Appointment Instrument

Members are appointed by the appropriate appointing authority under section 12.2.2 of the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement.

Term Duration

A member holds office for a term not to exceed five years and may be eligible for reappointment.

Time and Travel Requirements

The Board meets approximately 4 times per year in Yellowknife and in alternating communities in the Wek’eezhii Area. Meetings usually last 2-3 days.

The Board holds at least one public hearing per year.

Members may require two analytical days to review all necessary materials for each meeting.

Remuneration

Members of a board shall be paid such fees or other remuneration as the federal Minister may fix:

Chairperson - $325 per diem

Member - $225 per diem

Other Considerations

All nominations must be provided to other appointing parties for consideration before an appointment is made.

Neither the Chairperson nor members need to reside in the Wek’eezhii Area.

A member may be removed from office for cause at any time by the appointing authority.

The authorities entitled to appoint members shall endeavour to appoint persons who have knowledge of:

a) wildlife in Wek’eezhii, including its harvesting;

b) wildlife habitat in Wek’eezhii;

c) in relation to a) and b), the Aboriginal way of life of Aboriginal Peoples of Wek’eezhii; and

d) the relationship of a) and b) to c).

Current Membership

Position Appointee Term Start Term Expiry Number of Terms Appointed By Nominating Authority
1. Chair Joseph Judas 2024-02-15 2029-02-14 2nd term Appointed jointly by the Tłı̨chǫ Government, the Government of the Northwest Territories and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Members of the Board
2. Member
(Tłı̨chǫ)
(Vacant - 3 year term) Tłı̨chǫ Government
3. Member
(Tłı̨chǫ)
Travis Washie 2022-06-05 2027-06-04 1st term Tłı̨chǫ Government
4. Member
(Tłı̨chǫ)
Edward Chocolate 2022-07-05 2027-06-04 3rd term Tłı̨chǫ Government
5. Member
(Tłı̨chǫ)
Janelle Nitsiza 2022-06-05 2027-06-04 1st term Tłı̨chǫ Government
6. Member
(GNWT)
Steven Matthews 2021-06-11 2027-01-10 3rd term Minister of Environment and Climate Change
7. Member
(GNWT)
(Vacant - 5 year term) Minister of Environment and Climate Change
8. Member
(Canada)
(Vacant - 3 year term) Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada
9. Member
(Canada)
(Vacant - 1 year term) Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Environment and Climate Change Canada

(Board details as of Nov 08, 2024)