2-02703

MINISTER SCOTT REAPPOINTS CHAIR FOR GWICH’IN RENEWABLE RESOURCES BOARD

YELLOWKNIFE, NWT (August 30, 2005) - Minister of State (Northern Development) Ethel Blondin-Andrew, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced the reappointment of Mr. Robert Charlie to the position of chair of the Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board.

“Mr. Charlie’s prior experience on the Gwich’in Renewable Resource Board as well as years of experience working on implementation of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement make him ideally suited to serve another term as chair,” said Minister Scott.

“As a Gwich’in beneficiary with experience at the First Nation, Tribal Council and resource board levels, Mr. Charlie brings a unique perspective to his duties as Chair of the Gwich’in Renewable Resource Board. He still has much to contribute to the board and to the people of the Gwich’in Settlement Area,” said Minister Blondin-Andrew.

Robert Charlie was born in Fort McPherson in 1952. He joined CN Telecommunications in 1972 as a technician and presently serves as Northwest Tel’s Operations Manager for the Inuvik and Norman Wells area. Mr. Charlie has also served as a Director of the Gwich’in Tribal Council. He joined the Gwich’in Renewable Resource Board as Chair in 1995 and helped establish the board office. Mr. Charlie now resides in Inuvik.

The Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board serves as the main instrument of wildlife management and protection in the Gwich’in Settlement Area. It was established under the Gwich’in Land Claim Settlement Act (1992). The Board establishes policies and proposes regulations for domestic and commercial wildlife harvesting including hunting, fishing, guiding and outfitting. The Board approves plans for the management and protection of wildlife, approves designation of conservation areas and endangered species. The Board approves regulations proposed by governments and establishes the rules and procedures for consultation and reviews any manner in respect of wildlife referred to it by government.

The Board consists of six members, six alternates and a Chair who is to be nominated by members.

For more information, please contact:

Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary, Minister Andy Scott’s Office
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 997-0002

Back to News Release Index