IOGC Co Management Board

Memorandum of Understanding, June 3, 1996

IRC and Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada (now Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs) are parties to a Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 3, 1996 (“1996 MOU”).

The Indian Oil and Gas Canada Co-Management Board (“IOGC Board”) is created by the 1996 MOU, it offers the IRC’s First Nation membership an opportunity to participate directly in the Co-Management Phase of a Crown agency. The IOGC Board co-manages IOGC operations, by focussing on areas of collective interests including IOGC issues, policies, plans, priorities and resources.

The IOGC Board is unique since it is created by the 1996 MOU and not enabled by statute. 

Board Information

Mandate
The mandate and authority of the IOGC Board and the Executive Director of Indian Oil and Gas Canada (“IOGC”) is to co-manage IOGC in accordance with Appendix “A” of the 1996 MOU.

History
The relationship between the Indian Resource Council (“IRC”) and the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (“CIRNAC”) (formerly Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada) as represented by the Assistant Deputy Minister of Lands and Economic Development (“ADM-LED”) and the Indian Oil and Gas Canada (“IOGC”) continue to evolve significantly after 22 years pursuant to the 1996 MOU mandate, duties and its Inherent Right to Self – Government policy objective.

Board of Directors
The Minister of CIRNAC and the IRC jointly established the IOGC Board of directors in accordance with Appendix “A” of the 1996 MOU.

The IOGC Co-management Board was established in 1996 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the IRC and the Hon. Ron Irwin, Minister of Indian Affairs at the time.

The Role of the Board is to co-manage IOGC in accordance with existing legislation and regulations, focusing on areas of common interest such as IOGC issues, policies, plans, priorities and resources.

The board is also mandated to develop a vision for collective First Nations control and full management of their resources. The longer-term vision calls for first Nations to direct and assume full control of IOGC.

Although the MOU contemplated a three-phase approach – co-management, delegation and full control – the Board has focused its attention on the first phase only. Currently the Board is working on enhancing its co-management role to make it more effective n directing the activities of IOGC.

The Board is made up of nine members; six appointed by the IRC Board and three appointed by Canada. Appointments are for a two year (renewable) term.