The Gwich'in Land and Water Board is a regulatory authority established in 1998 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.

This Act directs the Board to take into account environmental and social impacts of proposed developments. In conducting reviews of applications the Board has the responsibility to involve affected communities, the Gwich'in Tribal Council, co-management boards, and appropriate government agencies. The Board's permitting and licencing process directly involves communities and all other appropriate groups, and uses both traditional and scientific knowledge about the physical and social environment for decision-making.

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 Acting Chair
Gerry Kisoun Member nominated by the Government of Canada
Liz Wright Member nominated by the Gwich'in Tribal Council
Margaret Nazon Member nominated by the Government of the NWT
Vacant Member nominated by the Gwich'in Tribal Council

The Board staff consist of the following:

Robert A. Alexie Executive Director
Ruth Jerome 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