Environmental Impact Review Board (EIRB) is an independent co-management body based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, responsible for conducting public environmental reviews of development proposals in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR). Established under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, EIRB ensures that major projects undergo comprehensive assessments to evaluate their potential impacts on the environment, wildlife, traditional harvesting, and local communities.
From infrastructure and industrial development to marine and land-use activities, any project referred for review by the Environmental Impact Screening Committee (EISC) is assessed through EIRB’s public process. The board operates transparently, maintaining a public registry and holding community consultations to ensure all voices are heard. EIRB balances traditional knowledge with scientific data to issue evidence-based recommendations that support sustainable development while respecting Indigenous values and ecosystems.
EIRB plays a critical role in maintaining environmental integrity across the ISR. Developers, governments, and communities rely on the board’s thorough and impartial review process to safeguard one of Canada’s most ecologically and culturally significant regions. With local and government-appointed members, EIRB is uniquely positioned to ensure decisions reflect both community interests and regulatory standards.
Operating from its office in Inuvik, EIRB brings together local knowledge and technical expertise to make decisions that reflect the needs of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Its work supports not only environmental protection but also cultural preservation and long-term community well-being across the Beaufort Delta and surrounding Arctic lands and waters.
Every step of the review process — from initial filing to final report — is accessible to the public. This openness ensures accountability and empowers communities to actively shape decisions that affect their environment and future.
