The Board of Directors, appointed by the Tłı̨chǫ Government, work closely with the Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation Executive team to ensure that the businesses' strategic direction is in line with stakeholder interests.
Ted Blondin
INTERIM CHAIRPERSON
Ted was appointed to the TIC Board of Directors in February 2019. Ted Blondin is a valuable member of the Tłįcho˛ Region and has an extensive background in politics and business across the Northwest Territories. He studied Businesses Enterprise of Self-Governing Systems and Business Management at the University of Lethbridge in 1990. Early on, Ted worked on the negotiation team as a Tłįcho˛ Land Claim Manager, contributing to the creation of the Tłįcho˛ Constitution, Self-Government, and Land Claim Rights. After the Tłįcho˛ Land Claims and Self-Government Agreement came into effect, Ted became the Chairperson of the Tłįcho˛ Community Services Agency (TCSA) as well as a board member, and later President, of the Behchokò˛ Development Corporation. Ted brings years of experience and knowledge to TIC. Ted is still dedicated to his passion of being a role model in the North and will continue communicating his vision for the younger generations to learn from, and follow.
Charlie Nitsiza
DIRECTOR
Charlie Jim was appointed to the TIC Board of Directors in February 2019. Elder Charlie Jim Nitsiza is a Tłįcho˛ Citizen who was born and raised in Whatì, NT. Since the 1970’s, Charlie Jim worked in the forestry industry which provided him the opportunity to work closely with Chief Charlie Charlo and other Tłįcho˛ elders and leaders, to navigate through negotiations on the Nishi Khon forestry contract with the GNWT. Charlie Jim was elected as the Chief of Whatì for two nonconsecutive terms (1989-1990, 1998-2009) which also allowed him to work closely with other key community leaders, elders and negotiators to develop a plan to assist in forming policies for self-government and land claim agreements up until the year of 2009. Since then he has worked with several organizations including the Nishi Kohn Board, Fortune Minerals LTD and Tłįcho˛ Government as a consultant, advisor and a board member over the years. His experiences and past roles provide him with a wealth of knowledge to bring to the Board. Charlie Jim is a proud grandparent to his only grandson Chase and enjoys his time out on the Tłįcho˛ land with friends and family, while still demonstrating himself as a leader in the Tłįcho˛ Region.
Joe Rabesca
DIRECTOR
Joe was appointed to the TIC Board of Directors in February 2019. Elder Joe Rabesca is a former Tłįcho˛ region Grand Chief. Since 1992, Joe was a key contributor in the negotiation process for the formation of the Tłįcho˛ Land Claims and SelfGovernment Agreement, which lead to the creation of the Tłįcho˛ Government. Over the years Joe has also been involved with many other boards and co-management tribunals. Joe has a wealth of knowledge in politics, negotiations and economic development. Joe and his wife Helen Rabesca have been married for over 30 years, are proud parents and grandparents, and are currently living in their hometown of Behchokò˛. Since his younger years, he has maintained a strong interest in working for his people, spending time on the land, and practicing the Tłįcho˛ traditional way of life; all knowledge and skills beneficial to TIC.
Larry Baran
DIRECTOR
Larry Baran was appointed to the TIC Board of Directors in November 2019. Larry has vast experience working with and for the Tłı̨chǫ people as a Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) in the region for seven years; working in Whatì (2011-2016) and Behchokǫ̀ (2016-2018). During that period of time, he reviewed and updated the GNWT SAO certification program, implemented various new bylaws and strategic plans, developed Whatì's First Land Use plan, mentored three Tłı̨chǫ SAO's, while working closely with chief's and council members. Previously working as a Town Manager in various communities across Canada, Larry brings demonstrated skills such as Emergency Management, Public Finance, Community Engagement, Policy Analysis, and Succession Planning to the TIC board. During his time in Whatì, Larry was recognized with the LGANT Annual Outstanding SAO Award and was nominated to represent small northern communities in a national symposium on Asset Management in Ottawa. When he’s not working, Larry and his wife, Janet, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren, exploring the North, and sometimes doing both at the same time.
Jeff Baker
DIRECTOR
Jeff Baker was appointed to the TIC Board of Directors in February 2021. Jeff is a CPA and a graduate of the University of Alberta where he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Previously, Jeff was an assurance partner with one of the “Big Four” professional services firms and retired from public practice after a 35-year career, which included two years working in London, England. While in public practice, Jeff provided a wide spectrum of professional services to a diverse group of both private and public organizations in a variety of industries including construction, real estate, manufacturing, automotive and oil and gas services. He knows that the keys to bringing value to an organization are through having an in-depth understanding of business operations, combined with a commitment to developing and maintaining strong relationships. Jeff’s background also includes presentations to Boards and Audit Committees on corporate governance and internal controls.
Jeff is very familiar with both TIC and the Tłįcho Government, having served as the audit partner on both of these organizations for a number of years. This background gives Jeff an appreciation of the strengths and opportunities that the Tłįcho have as well as the challenges that they face. He is excited to be working for the Tłįcho people and with TIC management and his fellow Board members. In addition to being a Board member, Jeff is the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee and a member of the Human Resources Committee.
Jeff and his wife Christine have four children and among other things, they enjoy golf, snowmobiling, boating, and time at the lake with family and friends.
To learn more on how to become a Board Member or if you have questions for the Board, please contact ticboard@tlicho.com or by fax (867) 766 3441.