In the Western Arctic, the fastest way to lose a season is to mobilize before you know whose land you’re on. “We’ll sort permissions later” doesn’t survive winter road windows, sealift cutoffs, or a short construction season.
This page is a sequencing guide for land access and permissions in two areas that matter for operators: the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR) and Gwich’in lands. The goal is simple: identify the right authority early, start the right applications, and don’t move people or equipment until your gating permissions are in place.
What this page covers
- Decision points: whose land, what activity triggers authorization, and who issues what
- A permission sequence you can follow for survey/build/service/deliver work
- Where consultation expectations show up (and how to plan for them)
- Common pitfalls that cause avoidable delays and reputation damage
- Printable checklist + copy/paste templates for first outreach
Quick decision path
- If you are entering or working on Inuvialuit private lands: access that is more than casual and individual in nature requires permission from Inuvialuit through Inuvialuit Land Administration (ILA). Do this before you book freight or crews.
- If you are in the ISR but not on Inuvialuit lands: land use permits on territorial lands in the ISR are handled through GNWT Environment and Climate Change (ECC). Confirm early which land category applies.
- If you are accessing Gwich’in private lands: authorizations must be obtained under the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA) through Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) Lands and Resources / land administration tools.
- If your work triggers a land use permit under Mackenzie Valley rules (Gwich’in area): land use permits are administered through the Land and Water Boards (e.g., Gwich’in Land and Water Board process guidance). Start the permit path early if you have camps, clearing, heavy equipment, or ground disturbance.
- If you’re unsure whose land it is: don’t guess. Your first task is a land tenure check (map + coordinates) and a “right authority” confirmation.
- If you need to work this season: treat permissions as critical path items and work backwards from mobilization. “Submitted” is not the same as “approved.”
What you need ready
- Map + coordinates: a simple map with lat/long, access route, and staging areas
- Scope: what you will do on the land (survey, excavation, foundations, camp, deliveries, maintenance)
- Timing: start/end dates, work hours, and season constraints
- Equipment and traffic: vehicles/equipment, flights, river crossings, trail use
- Fuel and waste plan: fuel volumes, storage/secondary containment, waste handling, spill response basics
- Crew plan: headcount, housing/camping, medevac plan if remote
- Contractor list: who is on-site and who holds authority for safety/environment
- Community contact plan: who you’ll notify, when, and how you’ll handle concerns
Missing this = delay: not having coordinates and a clear description of activities. “Where exactly?” and “what exactly?” are the questions that determine who you need permission from.
Permission sequencing guide (don’t mobilize before X)
Step 1: Lock down “where” (coordinates + land status)
Start with a map and coordinates. Then identify whether you are on:
- Inuvialuit private lands (ISR) (ILA authorization required for more than casual access)
- Territorial lands in the ISR (GNWT ECC land use permit process may apply)
- Gwich’in private lands (GTC authorization required under the GCLCA)
- Municipal lands (community approvals may apply if you’re inside boundaries)
- Federal lands / national parks (Parks Canada or federal authority may apply)
Stop sign: don’t price or schedule mobilization until you can say whose land you’re on and who issues the first permission.
Step 2: Describe the activity in “permission language” (what triggers approvals)
Permissions are triggered by activities, not business intentions. Write your scope in terms a regulator or land administrator can evaluate:
- Will you establish a camp?
- Will you use heavy equipment or ground-disturbing equipment?
- Will you clear vegetation, build a pad, or create/upgrade a trail?
- Will you store fuel or hazardous materials on-site?
- Will you withdraw water or discharge wastewater?
- Will you use aircraft frequently (staging, landings) or cross sensitive areas?
This one paragraph becomes your “summary of operations” for most applications.
Step 3: Secure land access authorization (private lands first)
If you are on Inuvialuit private lands: ILA issues rights to access and use Inuvialuit lands for activities that are more than casual and individual in nature. Treat this as an early gate.
If you are on Gwich’in private lands: GTC Lands and Resources administers access to Gwich’in lands and provides an authorization process (including online tools). Treat this as an early gate.
Stop sign: don’t mobilize equipment or crews onto private lands until the relevant land access authorization path is confirmed and permission is issued.
Step 4: Determine if you need a land use permit (boards / GNWT permitting)
Land access authorization and land use permits are not the same thing. You may need both: one to access private lands, and one to conduct certain activities on the land (depending on jurisdiction and scope).
- ISR (territorial lands): GNWT ECC issues land use permits on territorial lands in the ISR, and provides a process page for ISR permitting.
- Gwich’in / Mackenzie Valley: land use permits are administered through the Land and Water Boards under Mackenzie Valley rules and guidance. The Boards’ process guidance is a good starting point to understand what triggers a permit and how screening works.
Operator note: if you have camps, clearing, excavation, fuel storage, or significant land disturbance, assume you need to check permit triggers early.
Step 5: Water use and waste (don’t let it sneak up)
Even when your “main work” is construction or service delivery, water withdrawal and waste handling can trigger additional regulatory review. If you will withdraw water, create a water crossing, discharge wastewater, or store substantial fuel, treat it as part of your permission scope from day one.
Step 6: Consultation and community contact (plan it like logistics)
Consultation expectations vary by land type, activity, and agreement. Your baseline approach should be:
- Notify early: identify relevant community contacts and rights-holder organizations for the footprint.
- Be specific: share maps, timing, equipment, and what you’re doing to reduce uncertainty.
- Document it: keep a simple log of who you contacted, when, and what was discussed.
Stop sign: don’t announce start dates or book non-refundable freight until consultation and permissions are aligned with your actual plan.
Step 7: Build a single “Permissions Pack” and keep it current
Most delays happen because the information is incomplete or inconsistent. Keep one folder per project with:
- Map + coordinates and site plan
- Summary of operations (one page)
- Equipment and fuel list
- Waste and spill response basics
- Contractor list and responsibilities
- Community contact log
- Copies of issued permissions and any conditions
Common pitfalls (how operators lose time and trust)
- Assuming “ISR = one process.” In the ISR, land category matters: Inuvialuit lands follow ILA/IRC processes; territorial lands have GNWT ECC processes.
- Doing the permit last. If you need a land use permit or water authorization, it must be in your critical path, not your “admin later” list.
- Vague scope language. “Site work” and “field services” don’t answer the questions that trigger approvals.
- Not planning fuel and waste. Fuel storage and waste handling are frequent decision points in permitting and land administration.
- Mobilizing before permissions are issued. This is how projects get stopped and relationships get damaged.
Next steps (do this this week)
- Create your one-page “summary of operations” and a map with coordinates.
- Confirm land status for your footprint (Inuvialuit lands vs territorial ISR lands vs Gwich’in private lands).
- Contact the right authority early: ILA for Inuvialuit lands; GTC Lands and Resources for Gwich’in private lands; GNWT ECC/Boards for land use permitting pathways.
- Build your Permissions Pack folder and assign one person to own updates and conditions tracking.
CHECKLIST (printable): Don’t mobilize before X
- Coordinates verified (map + lat/long + access route)
- Land status confirmed (whose land, inside/outside community boundaries)
- Activity summary written (camp? clearing? excavation? fuel storage? water use?)
- Private land access authorization confirmed/issued (ILA for Inuvialuit lands; GTC authorization for Gwich’in private lands, as applicable)
- Land use permit pathway confirmed (GNWT ECC ISR territorial lands or Land and Water Board pathway, as applicable)
- Water/waste plan ready (source, volumes, containment, disposal)
- Fuel plan ready (types/volumes, secondary containment, spill kit)
- Community contact plan initiated (who was contacted, when, what was shared)
- Permit/authorization conditions understood (and built into work plan)
- Mobilization schedule matches approvals (no non-refundable commitments before gates)
TEMPLATE: First outreach email (permissions + process clarity)
Use this to contact ILA, GTC Lands & Resources, or a Land and Water Board office. Keep it short. Attach a map and your one-page operations summary.
Subject: Request for land access/permit pathway confirmation – [Project name] – [community/area]
Hello [Name/Office],
We are planning a [survey / construction / maintenance / delivery / field services] activity in [area/community], with the proposed footprint near: [coordinates + brief location description]. We want to confirm the correct land access and permitting pathway before we finalize schedule and mobilization.
Summary of operations (high level):
- Dates/season: [start–end]
- Crew size: [#]
- Activities: [camp? clearing? excavation? maintenance? deliveries?]
- Equipment: [list main equipment/vehicles]
- Fuel storage: [type/volume/containment approach]
- Water use/waste: [source/volumes/disposal approach]
Could you confirm:
1) Whether this location is within your land/permit authority (or who we should contact if not), and
2) What authorizations/permits are typically required for this scope, including any key timelines or consultation expectations?
We have attached a map with coordinates and a one-page summary. If helpful, we can take a short call this week to confirm the correct sequence.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Company legal name]
[Phone] | [Email]
FAQ
Is land access authorization the same as a land use permit?
Often no. Land access authorization is about permission to access and use private lands (e.g., Inuvialuit or Gwich’in private lands). A land use permit is a regulatory authorization that may be required for certain activities (camps, ground disturbance, fuel storage, etc.) depending on jurisdiction. You may need both.
How do I know whose land I’m on?
Start with coordinates and a land status check. Don’t rely on “it’s near [community].” In the ISR especially, land category changes your authority (Inuvialuit lands vs territorial lands). If you’re unsure, ask the relevant land administration/permit office to confirm the correct pathway.
What activities usually trigger extra scrutiny?
Camps, vegetation clearing, excavation, new trails/access upgrades, fuel storage, and water withdrawal/waste handling often create additional permitting and conditions. If any of these are in scope, treat permissions as critical path items.
How early should I start?
Early enough that you can still change the plan. If your project depends on a seasonal access window, start permissions work before you commit to freight deposits or crew travel. “Submitted” does not mean “approved.”
What’s the safest way to avoid last-minute stoppages?
Use the “don’t mobilize before X” checklist, keep your scope description consistent across documents, and get written confirmation of the correct pathway and conditions. Then build those conditions into your work plan and subcontractor scope.
Key tools & resources
- Inuvialuit Land Administration (ILA): Apply for land use / access on Inuvialuit lands
What it is: ILA guidance and application pathway for access and land use on Inuvialuit private lands.
Who it’s for: Anyone needing more-than-casual access to Inuvialuit private lands (survey/build/service/camps).
When it helps: First gate if the footprint is on Inuvialuit lands.
Northern caveat: Land category matters; start early so you don’t miss the season.
How to start: Send a map + one-page scope summary and ask ILA to confirm the authorization pathway.
https://irc.inuvialuit.com/lands/apply-for-land-use/
- ILA: Land Use Application System (LUAS)
What it is: An online system designed to submit and manage land use applications with ILA.
Who it’s for: Applicants submitting land use applications on Inuvialuit lands who can work online.
When it helps: When you need a trackable, document-based application process.
Northern caveat: Bandwidth and file sizes can be a constraint; keep documents lean and well-labeled.
How to start: Review LUAS “Learn More,” then prepare your map + operations summary to upload.
https://luas.inuvialuit.com/
- GNWT ECC: Apply for a Land Use Permit – ISR (territorial lands)
What it is: GNWT ECC page describing land use permits on territorial lands in the ISR and how to start the process.
Who it’s for: Operators working on territorial lands within the ISR (not Inuvialuit private lands).
When it helps: Early confirmation of the correct permit authority and entry steps.
Northern caveat: Mixing up authority wastes weeks—confirm early.
How to start: Use ECC’s ISR page to confirm the pathway and request the appropriate application guidance.
https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/services/apply-land-use-permit-inuvialuit-settlement-region-isr
- Gwich’in Tribal Council: Lands & Resources
What it is: GTC’s Lands & Resources overview describing its role administering access to Gwich’in lands.
Who it’s for: Anyone needing to access Gwich’in private lands or confirm land-owner expectations in the Gwich’in Settlement Area.
When it helps: First gate for Gwich’in private lands access/authorizations.
Northern caveat: Start with “whose land + what activity” and expect to share maps and a clear scope summary.
How to start: Contact GTC Lands & Resources with coordinates and your one-page operations summary.
https://www.gwichintribal.ca/lands--resources.html
- GTC Land Administration System (Gwich’in private lands authorizations)
What it is: Gwich’in land administration portal stating authorizations must be obtained for access to or activity on Gwich’in private lands.
Who it’s for: Proponents and contractors working on Gwich’in private lands.
When it helps: When you need to determine whether an authorization is required and how to apply.
Northern caveat: Don’t treat authorizations as “paperwork later”—they’re a mobilization gate.
How to start: Use the portal to determine if an authorization is needed and follow the application guidance.
https://gwichinlands.ca/
- Gwich’in Land and Water Board: Land use permits guidance
What it is: Process guidance for land use permits in the Mackenzie Valley administered by Land and Water Boards under Mackenzie Valley land use rules.
Who it’s for: Operators whose work may trigger a land use permit in the Gwich’in region/Mackenzie Valley context.
When it helps: Early scoping—understanding the permitting process and triggers.
Northern caveat: If you need a permit, start early enough to survive screening and information requests.
How to start: Review the “Land Use Permits” guidance and contact the board office with your summary of operations and map.
https://glwb.com/land-use-permits
- MVLWB: Guide to the land use permitting process (PDF)
What it is: A detailed guide explaining how the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Boards issue land use permits under the MVRMA and regulations.
Who it’s for: Anyone needing deeper understanding of process steps, screening, and submission expectations.
When it helps: When you’re preparing a formal application and want fewer “incomplete” delays.
Northern caveat: Use it to reduce rework; incomplete applications burn the season.
How to start: Read the application completeness sections and mirror the structure in your Permissions Pack.
https://mvlwb.com/sites/default/files/2020-09/lwb_guide_to_the_land_use_permitting_process_-_final_-_sep_16_20.pdf
- Gwich’in Land Use Planning Board: Gwich’in Land Use Plan
What it is: The land use plan for the Gwich’in Settlement Area under the Mackenzie Valley framework.
Who it’s for: Project teams working outside municipal boundaries in the Gwich’in Settlement Area.
When it helps: Early feasibility—checking whether your proposed activity aligns with designated land use zones/conditions.
Northern caveat: If your plan conflicts with land use designations, you may face delays or redesign.
How to start: Check your footprint against the Plan and flag any constraints before you finalize scope.
https://gwichinplanning.nt.ca/landUsePlan.html
