About

About

Learn about who EIRB is and how it fits in the co-management system.

Overview

The EIRB initiates the public phase of environmental reviews by inviting the general public to participate in the review process. The public can participate in a number of ways, including by registering as an intervener and participating at a public hearing. These public hearings usually occur in the community most affected by the proposed development.

After gathering its information, the EIRB will prepare a final report with its recommendations to be submitted to the competent authority. The competent authority will choose to accept, alter, or reject these recommendations. No permit or license shall be issued without final approval.

The EIRB consists of six members. Three members are appointed by the Inuvialuit Game Council; one member is nominated by the Government of the Northwest Territories; one member is nominated by the Yukon Territorial Government; one member is appointed by the Government of Canada. The Chair of the EIRB is appointed by the Government of Canada with consent from the Inuvialuit Game Council.

From left to right: Cynthia Ene, Alice Lutaladio-Nyambe, Catherine Cockney, Gerald Inglangasuk, Kate Hearn, Bruce McLean; Tuktoyaktuk, NT

Co-Management System

The Inuvialuit, along with the governments of Canada, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon share management responsibilities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. To enhance cooperative management (co-management) between these parties, five joint Inuvialuit-Government bodies were established as a result of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA). Government and Inuvialuit interests are equally represented in each group. An impartial, non-government person acceptable to both government and the Inuvialuit, chairs each of the co-management bodies.

This “co-management process”, as it has now become known, is considered to be a world-class example of integrated resource management.

At the foundation of this process are five co-management BODIES:

As is the case with the co-management BODIES, the Review Board is comprised of an equal number of Inuvialuit and government nominees. The Chair is appointed by the Federal Government, with the consent of the Inuvialuit.

One member each is nominated by the governments of Canada, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories and three members are appointed by the Inuvialuit.

  • The Joint Secretariat provides Administrative, technical and logistical to Inuvialuit Organizations and Co-management Boards

EIRB Members

As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and collaboration, we are pleased to provide you with an introduction to the current members of the Environmental Impact Review Board (EIRB). The composition of the EIRB reflects a collaborative approach, with half of the members nominated by the Inuvialuit Game Council and the other half nominated by the federal and territorial governments. The Chairperson is also nominated by the Federal Government.

This diverse and inclusive structure ensures a comprehensive assessment process, fostering a balanced representation of perspectives in environmental impact evaluations..

Catherine Cockney

Government of Canada-appointed Member (2022–present)
Chair

Catherine Cockney

Government of Canada-appointed Member (2022–present)
Chair

Nominated by the Government of the Northwest Territories

Current term: July 19, 2022 for three years.
Previous Terms: member since October 31, 2016.

Catherine Cockney has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta. Catherine is a cultural specialist with knowledge she learned from her mother Winnie Cockney and from the many elders she interviewed. In her meetings with elders, she learned the importance of maintaining your culture, teaching the younger generation, and looking after the environment. The elders emphasized the importance of owning land that can help us maintain our culture and values.

Catherine’s achievements include conducting oral history projects, research on Inuvialuit artifacts, and assisting in the revival of Inuvialuit drum dancing. Catherine enjoys sewing and participates in many arts and craft festivals.

Ethel-Jean Gruben

Inuvialuit Game Council-appointed Chair (2015–present)
Member

Ethel-Jean Gruben

Inuvialuit Game Council-appointed Chair (2015–present)
Member

Current term: September 31, 2021 to September 30, 2024

Ethel-Jean Gruben is one of the three members appointed by the Inuvialuit Game Council. She is serving her third term, which started in July 2015. Born and raised in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Ethel-Jean enjoys a cultural lifestyle where she and her family live off the land. She takes particular pride in her traditional sewing, dancing and cooking.

Ethel-Jean knows the importance of a healthy family and good living. “I am continually striving to live a healthy sustainable lifestyle, rich with Inuvialuit customs and values, with a mix of Gwich’in culture and pride,” she said. With her years of experience, and a wealth of traditional and environmental knowledge, Ethel hopes to bring added value to the EIRB with her special interests regarding healthy, progressive and sustainable communities.

Cynthia Ene

Government of Canada-appointed (2022–present)
Member

Cynthia Ene

Government of Canada-appointed (2022–present)
Member

Current term: Oct 14, 2022 to November 2025

Ms. Ene is a professional engineer, experienced in managing infrastructure projects in Canada’s North. She has also served on numerous boards and committees, including the Northern Territories Water & Wastewater Association, and Defence Construction Canada.

Her engineering work in the private sector and regulatory work on northern infrastructure projects with the Nunavut Water Board has given her extensive knowledge in northern development, environmental impact assessment processes, project management, and development. Ms. Ene is a Terry Fox Humanitarian Award recipient and a recipient of the OMNIUM Academic Director Award. She holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from McGill University, a Master of Business Administration from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Kate Hearn

Government of Northwest Territories-appointed (2022–present)
Member

Kate Hearn

Government of Northwest Territories-appointed (2022–present)
Member

Current term: Oct 14, 2022 to November 2025

Kate has a B.Sc. in geology from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Natural Resources Management from the University of Manitoba. She maintains a Professional Geologist accreditation with the Northwest Territories Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists.

Kate Hearn came to the Northwest territories as an exploration geologist in 1987, moving into the public sector in 1989. Since that time she has served with the federal and territorial governments in a number of executive level positions concerned with land and resource management in the North. Her most recent role was with the Government of the Northwest Territories where she served as Assistant Deputy Minister Planning and Coordination in the Department of Lands from 2014 until her retirement in 2021.

Kate lives outside Yellowknife and enjoys snowshoeing, kayaking, and dabbling in stained glass, ukulele playing and Taiko drumming. She feels very privileged to be able to enjoy the natural surroundings that the North has to offer. Kate believes strongly that environmental impact assessment is an important tool in achieving sustainability outcomes. She hopes to be able to contribute to the EIRB with her knowledge of environmental assessment practices, procedures, and decision making that she has acquired through her career.

Gerald Inglagasuk

Inuvialuit Game Council-Appointed (2022–present)
Member

Gerald Inglagasuk

Inuvialuit Game Council-Appointed (2022–present)
Member

Current term: October 3, 2022 tol September 30, 2025

Born on Banks Island, Gerald spent his early years immersed in the rugged beauty of the Arctic. His father’s occupation involved trapping white foxes, but the family relocated to the mainland when his father began work on the DEWLINE (Distant Early Warning Line). As a result, Gerald had the unique experience of living in various DEWLINE stations, including Bar 1, Bar 2, Bar 3, Bar 4, Bar C, and Bar D, until he turned four.

At age four, Gerald went to Aklavik Residential School, where he remained for two years without the opportunity to return home. However, during summer, he was fortunate enough to visit his family, enjoying those precious moments of warmth and connection. This pattern continued for eight years. Subsequently, Gerald resided in Inuvik Stringer Hall for a period of time.

After completing his academic endeavors, Gerald embarked on an enriching journey of mentorship under Billy Jacobson in Anderson River. This experience allowed him to develop invaluable skills while spending five months immersed in the wonders of the land and ocean.

His professional career began with Imperial Oil, where Gerald worked as a rig worker in the Delta and Beaufort Sea. Additionally, he served as a deckhand on drillships and dredges. Seeking new opportunities, Gerald transitioned to Alberta refineries, dedicating more than five years to refining operations. Eventually, he relocated to the Norman Wells refinery before settling in Tuk Beausril oil.

Throughout Gerald’s life, hunting whales and fishing along the coast has been an integral to his identity. Even from a young age, he engaged in activities such as geese and rat hunting during the spring season, as well as caribou and moose hunting in the fall.

Passionate about preserving the Arctic’s rich heritage, Gerald became actively involved in the Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Association as well as the Aklavik Community Corporation. For a decade, he served as a director for the Town of Aklavik, assuming roles such as Chief ACC and AHTC.

In 2000, Gerald decided to relocate to Inuvik, where he continued to contribute to various boards and organizations. Notably, he served as Chair and Director of the Inuvialuit Cultural Centre (ICC) and Inuvialuit Heritage Trust Corporation (IHTC). He also held positions as Vice Chair and Director on the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) for three terms, as well as Director for the Environmental Impact Review Board (EISC) for two terms. Additionally, Gerald dedicated three terms to the Fisheries Joint Management Committee (FJMC) and served as a director for the Inuvialuit Development Corporation (IDC) and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).

Nicole Lindsay

Inuvialuit Game Council Appointed
(2023-present)
Member

Nicole Lindsay

Inuvialuit Game Council Appointed
(2023-present)
Member

Nicole Lindsay is one of the three members appointed by the Inuvialuit Game Council, currently serving her first term with dedication and passion. A proud Inuvialuk, She hails from the vibrant community of Inuvik, NT, where she has embraced the diverse roles that life has bestowed upon her.

Balancing the demands of motherhood for two, while pursuing full-time studies as an Indigenous Governance student at Yukon University, and actively contributing to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has become an integral part of Nicole’s daily routine.

Nicole’s journey into Indigenous Governance, has been an enlightening exploration of governance intricacies and the profound significance of Land Claim Agreements. With each lesson, Nicole is nurturing a profound understanding of how policy development can be a catalyst for safeguarding and advancing the interests of the Inuvialuit people, with a steadfast commitment to the implementation of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement.

As a recent addition to the Environmental Impact Review Board, Nicole anticipates the opportunity to absorb insights from fellow board members as she shares her unique perspective as an Inuvialuit. Her aspiration is to contribute with her knowledge and to have discussions that shapes environmental regulations.

In navigating the diverse tapestry of my life, Nicole is driven by the belief that a collaborative approach, informed by both academic rigor and lived experience, can lead to meaningful progress. Her journey as a member of the Inuvialuit Game Council representative serves as a testament to my commitment to community service, and she will bring that same dedication to her role on the Environmental Impact Review Board.

Past Members

As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we are pleased to provide you with a list of our past board members.

We are grateful for their contribution to the Environmental Impact Review Board.

Artist: Gerald Inglagasuk

Staff

We are thrilled to introduce Alice, our exceptionally talented new Staff, who has assumed the pivotal position of Coordinator for the Environmental Impact Review Board. In this key role, Alice plays a central part in orchestrating and optimizing our operations, ensuring the flawless execution of the board’s critical mission to ensure that potential developments have minimal environmental and social impact in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

Alice Lutaladio-Nyambe

Environmental Impact Review Coordinator

Alice Lutaladio-Nyambe

Environmental Impact Review Coordinator

Alice Lutaladio-Nyambe, a committed Environmental Impact Review Coordinator, has seamlessly integrated her deep-rooted love for the environment, an insatiable passion for exploring new landscapes, and a profound belief in the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature into the very essence of her existence. Hailing from the heart of Italy, the vibrant city of Rome, Alice’s transformative journey from the historic streets of the Eternal City to the untouched vistas of Inuvik serves as a compelling testament to her unyielding dedication to environmental preservation. As a seasoned globetrotter, her backpack brims with captivating stories gathered from the far reaches of the globe, adding a rich tapestry of experiences to her environmental advocacy.

Growing up in Rome, Alice cherished the balance between history and nature. Her childhood mixed city exploration with escapes to Italy’s countryside. These experiences instilled in her a deep connection to the land and a commitment to its preservation. Her global adventures, from the forests of the Congo to the vast Canadian Arctic Tundra, and the sweeping landscapes of Botswana, deepened her dedication to environmental protection.

Alice decided to turn her passion for nature into a lifelong career. Despite her urban upbringing in Rome, she remained a city girl at heart with an enduring crush on nature. Her academic journey in Environmental Management equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the intricate challenges of sustainable resource management and conservation.

Past Members

Chair

Carson Templeton

Served as the Chair of the board from 1986 to 1989 and played a vital role in establishing the board’s functions.

James Livingston

Served as the Chair of the board from 1989 to 1992 and contributed significantly to the board’s decision-making process.

Robert Hornal

Served as the Chair of the board for an impressive 13 years, from 1992 to 2005. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the board’s review of environmental impacts.

Elizabeth Snider

Served as the Chair of the board from 2005 to 2013 and was responsible for overseeing the board’s implementation of key policies.

Jon Pierce

Served as the Chair of the board from 2013 to 2016 and brought valuable experience to the table during his tenure.

Members

Albert Elias

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 1986 to 1996 and provided crucial input on the impact of projects on wildlife.

Nelson Green

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 1986 to 1996 and contributed his expertise on the environmental impacts on marine life.

Roger Gruben

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board in 1986 and played a pivotal role in establishing the board’s mandate.

Joey Amos

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 1996 to 1999 and contributed his knowledge of traditional knowledge and land use.

Noel Green

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 1996 to 1999 and brought his expertise on the impact of projects on the local community.

Richard Binder

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 1998 to 2005 and provided invaluable insight into the environmental impacts of mining operations.

Eddie Okheena

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 1999 to 2000 and contributed his knowledge of the local ecosystem.

Jack Akhiatak

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 2000 to 2010 and provided expertise on the impact of projects on the region’s economy.

Eric Cockney

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 2005 to 2008 and contributed his knowledge of traditional land use and environmental impacts.

Roland Kikoak

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 2008 to 2015 and provided valuable insights into the impact of projects on the environment and the community.

Lawrence Amos

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 2010 to 2013 and brought his knowledge of traditional land use and environmental impacts to the table.

Herbert Felix

Inuvialuit Game Council – served on the board from 2014 to 2017 and contributed his expertise on the impact of projects on the local economy.

Ewan Cotterill

Government of Canada – served on the board from 1986 to 1991 and provided crucial input on the environmental impacts of projects.

Ron Livingston

Government of Canada – served on the board from 1986 to 1989 and played a key role in establishing the board’s mandate.

Mike Stutter

Government of Canada – served on the board from 1986 to 1992 and contributed his expertise on the environmental impacts of mining and oil and gas operations.

Calvin Pokiak

Government of Canada – served on the board from 1987 to 1995 and provided valuable input on the impact of projects on the local environment.

Tom Butters

Government of Canada – served on the board from 1992-2011.

Of all the co-management boards in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, the Environmental Impact Review Board was the only one without its own logo. Therefore, in 2008, the EIRB launched a logo design contest. The invitation was sent to schools, Hunters and Trappers Committees, and the community at large. We received many wonderful and creative designs, which is a testament to the rich, artistic merit of the ISR. In October, Board Members were presented with all of the designs and made a decision. By consensus, the design selected by the Board was created by Ann-Marie Villebrun of Tuktoyaktuk. Her original design showed a bright sun, pingos, and a caribou standing amongst the small lakes that are representative of the Mackenzie Delta.

The EIRB wishes to congratulate Ms. Villebrun for her winning design and wishes to thank the people who also submitted entries to the contest. You should all be proud of your work.

Related Resources

  • Introduction to the Inuvialuit Settlement Region

    Join us as we explore the relationships between people and the land in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region as part of our Inuit Nunangat Taimannganit video project.

    ᐅᕙᑦᑎᓐᓂ ᐃᓚᐅᒋᑦᑎ ᖃᐅᔨᓇᓱᒃᑎᓪᓗᑕ ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᐊᒃᑐᐊᔾᔪᑎᖏᓐᓂᒃ ᓄᓇᒥᒃ ᒫᓂ ᐃᓄᕕᐊᓗᐃᑦ ᓄᓇᖓᓂ ᐃᓚᒋᔭᐅᓪᓗᓂ ᐆᒧᖓ ᐱᓕᕆᐊᑦᑎᓐᓄᑦ ᑕᕐᕆᔭᒐᒃᓴᑎᒍᑦ ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᓄᓇᖕᒐᑦ ᑕᐃᒪᙵᓂᑦ.

    Uvattinni ilaugitti qaujinasuktilluta inuit aktuajjutinginnik nunamik maani Inuvialuit Nunangani ilagijaulluni uumunga piliriattinnut tarrijagaksatigut Inuit Nunanggat Taimannganit.