Senior Accountant
Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Inuvialuit Final Agreement

In 1984, the Inuvialuit became the first aboriginal Canadians from the Northwest Territories to negotiate a comprehensive land claims settlement with the Government of Canada. In the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA), Inuvialuit retained 35,000 square miles of land in fee simple, 5,000 square miles of mineral, petroleum, and natural gas rights. A variety of rights, benefits, and cash payments on a scheduled basis were also provided to Inuvialuit in the IFA. 

The primary goals of the IFA as expressed by the Inuvialuit and recognized by Canada are to:

• Preserve Inuvialuit cultural identity and values within a changing northern society.
• Enable Inuvialuit to be equal and meaningful participants in the northern and national economy and society.
• Protect and preserve the Arctic wildlife, environment, and biological productivity.

Approved by the Canadian Parliament in 1984 through the Western Arctic Claims Settlement Act, the IFA takes precedence over other Acts inconsistent with it. The IFA is also protected under the Canadian Constitution and cannot be changed by Parliament without the approval of the Inuvialuit. 

About Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Established in 1984 to manage the settlement outlined in the IFA, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) represents the collective Inuvialuit interests in dealings with governments and the world at large. IRC's goal is to continually improve the economic, social, and cultural well-being of the Inuvialuit through the implementation of the IFA and by all other available means.

Inuvialuit beneficiaries directly control IRC and its subsidiaries through a democratic process of elected directors from each of the six Community Corporations.

The head office for IRC is located in Inuvik. Over 180 employees, both full-time and casual, work for IRC. Inuvialuit beneficiaries currently make up over 80 percent of IRC and Inuvialuit Development Corporation (IDC) staff positions, including those at the senior divisional management level.

Both corporations are committed to increasing the percent of employed beneficiaries throughout all levels of the organization. A broad range of external and internal staff training, internship, and advancement opportunities are available to beneficiaries to help reach this goal.

IRC has four principal subsidiaries, which provide most of the corporation's operational funding: Inuvialuit Development Corporation, Inuvialuit Investment Corporation, Inuvialuit Land Corporation and Inuvialuit Petroleum Corporation.

Inuvialuit Development Corporation

A diversified investment, venture capital and management holding company.

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Inuvialuit Investment Corporation

Oversees management of a diverse securities portfolio.

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Inuvialuit Land Corporation

Responsible for the administration and management of Inuvialuit lands.

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Inuvialuit Petroleum Corporation

A medium-sized, diversified and integrated petroleum company.

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Corporate Structure

Through a democratic process, Inuvialuit beneficiaries directly control Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) and its subsidiaries.

Each Inuvialuit community, including Aklavik, Inuvik, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk, and Ulukhaktok, has a Community Corporation with elected directors. The directors of the six community corporations elect the Chair of IRC. This elected member also takes on the responsibility of Chief Executive Officer of IRC.

Learn more about each Community Corporation here: https://www.irc.inuvialuit.com/community-corporations

Mandate, Goals & Philosophy

Mandate

The mandate of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is to continually improve the economic, social, and cultural well-being of the Inuvialuit through the implementation of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement and by all other available means.

Corporate Goals

As the organization within the Inuvialuit Corporate Group (ICG) that received the lands and financial compensation from the IFA settlement, IRC upholds the values and principles of the Corporate Group, which includes:

• The preservation and growth of the monetary compensation flowing from the IFA
• The distribution of accumulated wealth to beneficiaries
• The representation and advancement of Inuvialuit interests in areas of external relations including federal, territorial, and municipal governments, circumpolar and other aboriginal organizations, private sector, and special interest groups
• The stewardship of Inuvialuit lands
• The identification and successful implementation of economic, social, cultural, educational, training and employment programs that benefit Inuvialuit
• The provision of technical and administrative support to community corporations and beneficiaries
• The promotion of rights and benefits accorded to Inuvialuit under the IFA

Operating Philosophy

The mandate and corporate goals of IRC can only be met through a strong commitment by all directors, officers, and employees of the Inuvialuit Corporate Group to an operating philosophy of teamwork, dedication, and coordination of both planning and action. The focus of all efforts must be the improved well-being of Inuvialuit. This will be the core criterion by which all corporate activities are measured.

Additionally, IRC has two operating divisions and a Community Economic Development Organization that contribute to fulfilling its mandate and provide services to beneficiaries.

2023 Board of Directors

• Duane Smith - Chair
• Lawrence Ruben
• Jordan McLeod  
• Rory Voudrach 
• Pat Klengenberg 
• Ryan Yakeleya 
• John Lucas Jr.