The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Princess Alexandra School, Diamond Jenness Secondary School, and the Diamond Jenness Trades Centre in Hay River.

Princess Alexandra School

Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today regarding the independent investigation into education bodies in the Dehcho region:

“Over the past several months, the Government of the Northwest Territories has heard serious concerns from parents, educators, community members, and education partners in the Dehcho about governance, workplace culture, communication, and the impacts these issues have had on students, families, and staff.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for École Boréale School in Hay River, Chief Sunrise School in Kátł’odeeche First Nation, and Deninu School in Fort Resolution.

École Boréale School in Hay River

Testing has confirmed that all water fixtures show lead levels below the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

No remediation or mitigation measures are required, and École Boréale School can use sinks and water fountains normally.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Harry Camsell School in Hay River. Testing has confirmed that some drinking water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.

Unearthed is a new Mezzanine Art Gallery exhibition at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) featuring ceramic sculptures by Yellowknife artist Maura Meng. This exhibit opens on December 19th. 

Moving to the Northwest Territories in 2014, Maura initially created functional pottery for local markets but soon felt the work did not reflect her emotional state.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Helen Kalvak School in Ulukhaktok. Testing has confirmed that some drinking water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.

Effective immediately, affected water fixtures at Helen Kalvak School will be out of service and an alternate drinking water source will be provided.

The Mentor-Apprentice Program is looking for new mentors and apprentices who want to teach and learn their language.

The Mentor-Apprentice Program is a way of learning an Indigenous language where a fluent speaker of the language (mentor) teaches a committed language learner (an apprentice) by doing everyday activities using only their Indigenous language.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Chief T’Selehye School in Fort Good Hope. Testing has confirmed that several drinking water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order and implemented a flushing protocol for the school.

The Government of Alberta has cancelled all January 2026 diploma exams due to instructional time lost during the recent teachers’ strike. Because the Northwest Territories uses Alberta’s diploma examination program, this cancellation also applies to all Grade 12 students in the NWT.

As a result, NWT students are automatically exempt from writing diploma exams in January. Students who wish to write an exam later in the school year will continue to have opportunities to do so.

What this means for NWT students:

The Geographical and Community Place Names Policy needs your input. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is updating this policy to enhance the role of Indigenous governments and the public in naming decisions. The policy was last updated in 1997 and no longer reflects how the GNWT works with Indigenous governments and the public.