The Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board

The Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board (GRRB) is the main organization that manages wildlife in the Gwich’in Settlement Area. It is established under section 12.8 of the Land Claim and gives membership to the Gwich’in Tribal Council.

The GRRB:
- creates policies and rules for harvesting wildlife;
- plans for the management and protection of wildlife populations;
- designates conservation areas and identifies endangered species;
- approves management plans for hunting, trapping, and fishing in parks;
- sets rules and procedures for consultations with the public; and
- reviews wildlife matters referred to it by the government.

The GRRB also:
- sets policies and suggests rules for harvesting trees either by individuals or through commercial logging; and
- approves forest conservation and forest management plans for the Settlement Area.

Renewable Resources Councils

The GRRB gives advice and recommendations to the Minister about wildlife and wildlife habitat. The Board can consult with residents, communities, governments and Renewable Resources Councils (RRC’s) If the Board intends to limit a harvest for conservation reasons, it will hold a public meeting.

Each community has a Renewable Resources Council (RRC) consisting of up to 7 people who live in the community. They help manage local wildlife resources and advise the GRRB. The Land Claim outlines their responsibilities in Section 12.9.4 (Wildlife Harvesting and Management).

Website: www.grrb.nt.ca