The Gwich’in modern treaty (signed in 1993) in Northwest Territories required that the Gwich’in Land Use Planning Board be established. This organization has the mandate to develop a land use plan that provides for the conservation, development and use of land, water and resources for the Gwich’in Settlement Area.

Membership

The Planning Board has five members: two nominated by the Gwich’in Tribal Council, one nominated by the Government of the Northwest Territories and one nominated by the Government of Canada. The Chairperson is nominated by a majority of the board members.

All members are appointed by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.

In 2003, the Nành’ Geenjit Gwitr’it T’igwaa’in (Working for the Land) Land Use Plan was approved. Approval was required from the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Government of Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada.

The Land Use Plan:

• Addresses the needs of the Gwich’in, while considering the needs of all Canadians
• Reflects Gwich’in priorities established through extensive consultations with Gwich’in communities and takes into account the input of all other stakeholders
• Is based on existing traditional and scientific knowledge about the region
• Establishes land use zones, identifies environmental issues and recommends actions