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 Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada 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
Charlie Snowshoe             Member nominated by the Gwich’in Tribal Council
William Koe                        Member nominated by the Gwich’in Tribal Council