GNWT’s department of Education announced they have received initial findings and recommendations following an investigation in the Dehcho. In their initial findings so far, the third party investigator hired by the GNWT has concluded that to comply with legislation, elections are required to be held “as soon as possible” for district education authority members whose terms have expired.
In June, Minister Caitlin Cleveland said that the GNWT had heard “serious concerns” over a number of months from parents, educators, community members and education partners in the Dehcho. On June 20, the minister announced that the territorial government would begin a third party investigation in July to examine a “range of concerns” around governance and operational practices and propose recommendations in response.
Originally, the review was expected to be complete by the end of August, but has been extended.
The GNWT is advising Dehcho area education authorities in question to take steps “quickly” to appoint “relevant members” to the district authority council.
According to the statement issued by the GNWT, the district authority council has quorum with a balance in favour of authority members meeting the requirements of their districts.
The third party investigation also found that issues around irregularity of elections were due to institutional challenges. Although details were not available in the announcement, these were outlined as being related to the small size of communities and limited access to human resources including limited availability of volunteers.
GNWT added that the department of Education is required to “take a more active role” in supporting education bodies with their elections, together with local governments and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.
“The GNWT accepted all the recommendations and is actively working with Dehcho education bodies to address the findings related to elections, terms and quorum, as soon as possible,” said reps with the department of Education.
The investigation is ongoing and it is unclear how long it has been extended, but a final report is expected December 2025.
“The investigation into the full extent of concerns raised in the Dehcho is ongoing and information continues to be collected. Due to the volume of issues and the number of involved parties, as well as challenges with participation over the summer months, the investigation’s timelines have been extended to ensure fairness, while acknowledging the need for urgent resolution of some matters.”
Minister Cleveland said that the territorial government is supporting the work of the elected education bodies, made up of volunteers.
“I welcome the initial findings of the investigation and take these recommendations and my role in supporting education bodies in the Dehcho region seriously. The Government of Northwest Territories appreciates the dedication of the long-standing volunteers who make up our elected education bodies. We are committed to supporting their continued work. I look forward to receiving the additional findings and recommendations from the investigation so that we can collectively strengthen the education system in the Dehcho.”
The minister said that the investigation will include feedback from elected officials, administrative staff, educators, parents and community members.
“These concerns relate to governance, financial management, workplace culture, communication, and human resources,” said Minister Cleveland.
In June, the GNWT’s Internal Audit Bureau also launched a financial review of the Dehcho Divisional Education Council and its District Education Authorities.
A separate investigation focussing on human resources is being led by the Department of Finance, said the minister.
In the June announcement, the minister emphasized a commitment to ensuring “safe, inclusive, and accountable” school environments as a main priority.
“I understand many residents want to see action, and I share that sense of urgency. I also recognize that for some families—particularly Indigenous families still living with the intergenerational impacts of residential schools—these situations can be especially difficult. That’s why this work must be carried out with care, fairness, and respect,” said Cleveland.
My North Now reached out to the GNWT’s department of Education to ask if the initial findings and recommendations are available to the public and how the education authorities in question will go about appointing members until elections can be held.
My North Now also asked if there are any concerns that potential sudden changes in leadership (where new elections are required) might influence the investigation and vice versa.
Agata Gutkowska, manager of Public Affairs and Communications at the department of Education responded that the initial report is not publicly available at this time.
“The initial report on terms and quorum has not been made public. The information has been shared with the relevant parties and action is being taken to remedy any of the issues identified as quickly as possible. Noting that the priority is to maintain continuity of existing elected leadership during this time, there are no significant impacts to the public related to these findings.”
“Issues around irregularity of elections are largely due to institutional challenges, including the small size of communities and limited availability of volunteers. ECE recognizes the challenges that small communities face in organizing elections and is taking immediate action to ensure that elections are held as soon as possible in affected communities,” added Gutkowska.
Gutkowska said Minister Cleveland advised district education authorities in Jean Marie River, Wrigley and Nahanni Butte that elections “must be held as soon as possible.”
“Where vacancies on DEAs have been identified, the Minister of ECE has encouraged education bodies to take steps to either hold a by-election or appoint members until the next general election.”
“No, leadership changes resulting from DEA elections will not impact the investigation.”
