Ian came to the North early in 1984 and served in government and business across the Northwest Territories. He has lived and worked in the Kitikmeot, Keewatin, South Slave, Deh Cho and North Slave Regions. His experience includes working in the fields of housing, economic development, justice, municipal affairs, small business development and aboriginal affairs. As a result of many years of involvement in Aboriginal Rights negotiations, understands issues related to access to First Nations settlement lands. He currently enjoys semi-retirement in Yellowknife and as well as serving on the NWT Surface Rights Board; he serves as a coroner and Justice of the Peace and pursues his interests in sailing and golf.
Ian was appointed to the NWT Surface Rights Board as the Mǫwhì Gogha Dè Nįįtłèè alternate member in 2015 and is currently serving his second term.