About the Gwich'in Land and Water Board

The Gwich’in Land and Water Board is a regulatory authority established under the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement and given effect by the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act to provide for an integrated and coordinated system of land management in the Mackenzie Valley of the Northwest Territories.

The object of the Board is to provide for conservation, development and utilization of the land and water resources in the Gwich'in settlement area in a manner that will provide the optimum benefit for present and future residents of the settlement area and the Mackenzie Valley and for all Canadians.

The Act authorizes the Board to regulate the use of land and water by issuing, amending, renewing and suspending Land Use Permits and Water Licences throughout the Gwich'in settlement area, which includes all crown, Gwich'in and any other private lands.

The Board consists of five members, including the Chair. Two members are nominated by the Gwich'in Tribal Council, one member is nominated by the Government of the Northwest Territories and another by the Government of Canada. The four members nominate the Chair and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development then appoints all nominees to the Board for a term of three years.

The current Board consists of the following:

Paul Sullivan                        Chair
Gerry Kisoun                        Member nominated by the Government of Canada
Margaret Nazon                   Member nominated by the Government of the NWT
Liz Wright                             Member nominated by the Gwich’in Tribal Council
William Koe                         Member nominated by the Gwich’in Tribal Council

The Board staff consist of the following:

Robert A. Alexie                   Executive Director
Deana Smith                          Office Manager
Leonard DeBastien              GIS Technician
Helga Harlander                  Land and Water Technician
Johnny Edwards                   Land and Water Technician

The offices of the Board is located on the second floor of the Chief Jim Koe Zheh in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories and is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday except on statutory holidays.

Our mailing address is:      Box 2018 Inuvik NT X0E 0T0
Our phone number is:         (867) 777-7960
Our facsimile number:        (867) 777-7970

Robert A. Alexie                   (867) 777-7961
                                                R.Alexie@glwb.com

Deana Smith                          (867) 777 7960
                                                D.Smith@glwb.com

Leonard DeBastien              (867) 777-7964
                                                L.DeBastien@glwb.com

Helga Harlander                  (867) 777-7963
                                                H_Harlander@glwb.com

Johnny Edwards                   (867) 777-7962
                                                J.Edwards@glwb.com