GNWT taking actions to address initial findings from Dehcho education investigation
Press Release
October 21, 2025
Initial findings and recommendations from the investigation into concerns around education in the Dehcho region have been released to the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) by the independent investigator. The GNWT is taking immediate actions to support education bodies with next steps.
On July 10, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) appointed an independent investigator under section 113 of the Education Act to investigate a range of concerns in the region and provide findings and recommendations for solutions.
The first step of the investigation was to look into potential elections and quorum issues concerning all education bodies in the region, including community District Education Authorities (DEAs) and the Dehcho Divisional Education Council (DDEC). The independent investigator concluded that:
- While some DEAs are properly constituted, other DEAs must conduct elections as soon as possible to comply with legislation, as evidence shows the terms of their members have expired.
- Until elections can be held, steps should be taken quickly to appoint relevant members to the DDEC, which is composed of appointed members from each DEA, to ensure it continues to represent the entirety of the region.
- Some DEAs have not been aligning their terms and elections with those of their local community governments, as required by elections legislation, and must do so going forward.
- The DDEC currently has quorum and, aside from concerns around the terms of some DEA members having expired, all DEAs otherwise currently meet the quorum requirements established in their regulations.
- Issues around irregularity of elections are largely due to institutional challenges, including the small size of communities and limited availability of volunteers. There is no indication that any individuals placed themselves in positions with improper motives.
- Care should be taken to support continuity in elected representation.
- ECE should take a more active role in supporting education bodies with their elections, in coordination with local governments and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA).
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.
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.
A final report on all issues being considered is expected by early December 2025. The GNWT will continue to share information on findings, recommendations, and actions, as appropriate, as they become available.
Quote:
“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.”
-Minister Caitlin Cleveland, Education, Culture and Employment
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For media requests, please contact:
Agata Gutkowska
Manager of Public Affairs and Communications,
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Email: agata_gutkowska@gov.nt.ca
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