Lands & Environmental Stewardship Office
The Lands and Environmental Stewardship Offices (‘Lands Office”) plays a pivotal role in the governance, stewardship, and economic development for First Nation communities across Canada and beyond.
With the recognition of Indigenous rights and the increasing importance of sustainable resource management, the Lands Office serves as a crucial link between the community, its natural resources, and external stakeholders.
The Lands Office is an essential component of First Nation governance and community resilience. By managing land and resources sustainably, advocating for the rights of Acho Dene Koe First Nation, and fostering balanced economic development in collaboration with the Acho Dene Koe Group of Companies’ Business and Economic Development office, the Lands Office not only supports the current needs of the community but also lays the groundwork for a thriving future. As Acho Dene Koe First Nation continues to assert its rights and reclaim our traditional territories in Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and the Yukon, the role of the Lands and Resources Office will remain critical in navigating the complex landscape of modern resource management and Indigenous sovereignty.
- Resource Management and Stewardship: At the heart of the Lands Office’s mandate is the sustainable management of the land and natural resources of Acho Dene Koe First Nation’s Traditional Territory. This includes overseeing the use of forests, water, minerals, and wildlife. The Lands Office employs a combination of traditional ecological knowledge and modern scientific practices to ensure that resource extraction and land use are conducted sustainably. This stewardship is vital for preserving the cultural and ecological integrity of the land for future generations.
- Land Use Planning: Effective land use planning is essential for balancing development and conservation within our territories. The Lands Office facilitates the creation of land use plans that reflect the community’s values, needs, and aspirations. These plans outline how land can be used for various purposes, including residential, commercial, and conservation efforts. By involving community members in the planning process, the Lands Office will ensure that decisions are made collaboratively and transparently for all our lands including those in Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and the Yukon.
- Consultation and Engagement: Acho Dene Koe First Nation often engages in consultations with government agencies, corporations, and other organizations regarding land use and resource development. The Lands Office plays a critical role in representing the interests of the community during these consultations. This includes negotiating agreements related to resource extraction, environmental assessments, and compensation for land use. The Lands Office ensures that the rights and title of the First Nation are respected, and that any development aligns with the community’s values and priorities.
- Legal and Policy Advocacy: The Lands Office is involved in advocating for the legal rights and interests of our First Nation concerning land and resources. This includes staying informed about relevant legislation, court rulings, and policies that impact on our land rights. The Lands Office works in collaboration with our legal and technical experts and other Indigenous organizations to challenge policies that threaten our community’s access to land and resources.
- Capacity Building and Education: To effectively manage land and resources, community members need access to education and training. The Lands Office has a role in organizing workshops, seminars, and training programs that empower community members with knowledge about land management practices, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development. By building local capacity, the Lands Office enhances the community’s ability to manage its resources effectively and assert its rights.
- Identifying Economic Development Opportunities: The Lands Office plays a vital role in identifying and promoting economic development opportunities related to land and resources. This can include identifying opportunities for partnerships with private sector companies, the development of eco-tourism ventures, or the establishment of community-owned businesses. By leveraging the community’s natural assets, the goal of the Lands Office is to help create jobs and generate revenue through Acho Dene Koe Group of Companies, contributing to the overall economic well-being of the First Nation.
- Cultural Preservation: Finally, the Lands Office is deeply involved in the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional practices. Like many First Nations, Acho Dene Koe First Nation and our members have strong spiritual and cultural connections to our lands. The Lands Office is continually striving to protect sacred sites and areas of cultural significance from development and degradation. Through initiatives that promote cultural education and awareness, the Lands Office helps ensure that traditional knowledge and practices are passed down through generations.
Our Partner:
For several years, the Lands and Environmental Stewardship Office have been supported by consultants, most recently through a partnership with Shared Value Solutions Ltd. of Guelph, Ontario. In 2025, the First Nation will take an important step forward by welcoming a full-time Manager to lead the office.
- Transition: From consultant-led operations to a blended model with internal leadership.
- Expert Support: Continued guidance from specialized consultants and a Director from Shared Value Solutions.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening internal governance and consultation processes.
- Community Stewardship: Ensuring land-related decisions reflect both regulatory requirements and cultural priorities.
This hybrid structure ensures continuity of professional standards, enhances internal leadership, and positions the First Nation to effectively manage consultation processes, land stewardship, and regulatory engagement.
About Our Consultant Support:
Shared Value Solutions Ltd. is an Indigenous‑focused environmental and community development consulting firm based in Guelph, Ontario, known for supporting First Nations across Canada in advancing stewardship, jurisdiction, and long‑term prosperity. Their team brings expertise in environmental assessment, land‑use planning, cultural heritage, technical reviews, and negotiation support, working closely with communities to braid Indigenous Knowledge with western science. Through this partnership model, Shared Value Solutions provides practical, rights‑affirming guidance that strengthens decision‑making, supports meaningful consultation, and helps First Nations navigate complex regulatory and development processes with confidence and clarity.
Lands and Environmental Stewardship Office Contacts:
- Director: Mark Macdougall (contracted)
- Manager: Chirag Patney [Acting] (contracted)
- Planner: Chirag Patney
- Coordinator: Shawn Melendy (contracted)
Location:
Upper Level
1910 Poplar Road
Fort Liard, NT X0G 0A0
Contractor:
62 Baker Street
Guelph, Ontario
N1H 4G1
Email: lands@adkfirstnation.ca
Local: 226-706-8888
Toll Free: 1-866-293-9042
Fax: 226-314-12000
General Email:
Email: lands@adkfirstnation.ca
Staff Emails:
Director Email: mark.macdougall@sharedvaluesolutions.ca
Manager Email: lands.manager@adkfirstnation.ca
Planner Email: chirag.patney@sharedvaluesolutions.ca
Phone: (867) 770-4571 ext. 2