Redistribution – Press release – Housing NWT Signs Memorandum of Understanding on Housing with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation to Advance Housing in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region
Press Release
June 18, 2026
The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) Chair and CEO, Erwin Elias, and the Minister Responsible for Housing NWT, the Honourable Lucy Kuptana, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Housing between the IRC and Housing NWT.
This Memorandum of Understanding formalizes cooperation between Housing NWT and the IRC, building on past partnerships to guide joint work on housing priorities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
Under the agreement, a Housing Working Group including IRC and Housing NWT staff will be established to prioritize:
- community housing planning;
- coordinated program delivery;
- construction, maintenance and repair of housing units by both parties;
- improvements to programs and services;
- information and data sharing; and
- joint housing service delivery to maximize collective efforts to address housing needs for Inuvialuit communities.
By laying out a clear approach to collaboration, the agreement helps support more coordinated and responsive housing programs and services, which in turn will improve housing outcomes for residents. It also advances the Mandate of the 20th Assembly by formalizing and strengthening government-to-government relationships and working in partnership to advance shared interests.
Housing NWT and the IRC are committed to working together in a spirit of mutual respect to deliver meaningful housing outcomes for Inuvialuit.
Quotes
“Through this Memorandum of Understanding, we are creating a stronger foundation for addressing housing needs in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Working in partnership with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation allows us to plan more effectively and deliver more sustainable homes and housing solutions that better serve residents. The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to listening, learning, and building a respectful relationship that will lead to real results for communities.”
– Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories
“Safe, affordable housing is one of the most urgent needs across our communities. Too many Inuvialuit families are facing overcrowding, high costs and limited options. This agreement creates a better relationship with Housing NWT so that the housing investments we make compliment each other, and we are making the best use of limited available land. We need housing outcomes that support stability, dignity and opportunity for Inuvialuit, and we are committed to doing that work together.”
– Erwin Elias, Chair & CEO, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
Quick facts
- The Memorandum of Understanding on Housing sets out a formal framework for partnership on housing planning and initiatives.
- Over the past four years, Housing NWT has signed intergovernmental agreements on housing with the Tłı̨chǫ Government, the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, the Délı̨nę Got’ine Government, the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the Acho Dene Koe First Nation.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Catherine Pate
IRC Communications
media@inuvialuit.com
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