The board's structure north of 60 is a function of the comprehensive land claims. To the best of my understanding, the chief federal negotiator who was appointed had to initiate a round of consultations with first nation groups. It's something they negotiated with the federal government at the time of their claims to come to a more streamlined model.
I believe my colleagues at Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Canada would be better positioned to give you an update, because they're working on their northern regulatory improvement initiative.