Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today in response to concerns raised about the education system 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.
Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Minister Caitlin Cleveland met with Education Leaders one last time before the end of the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting was held in Yellowknife on June 11, 2025.
Minister Cleveland opened the meeting with a tribute to Ted Blondin, a respected Elder from the Tłįchǫ region, who passed away in April 2025. A former Chairperson of the Tłįchǫ Community Services Agency, Ted’s commitment to supporting youth and educators led to his induction into the NWT Education Hall of Fame in 2015.
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland and Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler issued the following joint statement today on recent changes to Jordan’s Principle:
“Across the Northwest Territories, children and families are being impacted by recent administrative changes to Jordan’s Principle. As territorial Ministers—and as Northerners—we are deeply concerned about the unintended consequences of these changes, and we are urging swift federal action to protect the progress that’s been made.
Today, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released the first edition of the Early Learning Framework.
Ehts'o nàtsʼeelıı (We Sew Beads) by Tłı̨chǫ Dene Matthew Vukson is a new exhibit opening at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC). The opening reception will be on June 5, 2025, from 7:00-8:30pm.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is providing this update to ensure residents are informed of the most recent developments regarding concerns over lead levels in school water supplies.
Over the past few days, additional resources have been mobilized and expert support engaged to better understand the situation. While a comprehensive investigation is still underway, the GNWT believes it is important to share what is currently known so families, school staff, and the broader public have the facts and a clear understanding of next steps.
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Mr, Speaker, I am going to begin my statement in Dinjii Zhu’ Ginjik.
[Following portion will be spoken in Dinjii Zhu’ Ginjik]
Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of the 2024-2025 school year, I want to congratulate all the students of the Northwest Territories and celebrate their successes. Whether they are graduating from junior kindergarten, high school or a post-secondary institution like Aurora College or Collège Nordique, the territory’s graduates have so much to be proud of.
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Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today in response to the discovery of elevated lead levels in drinking water at two Yellowknife schools:
“As a parent, a resident of Yellowknife, and the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, I am deeply concerned by the recent test results indicating elevated lead levels in the drinking water at École William McDonald Middle School and Range Lake North School.
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The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has appointed Kenny Ruptash to the Aurora College Board of Governors and named him Chairperson of the Board for a three-year term. A long-time Northerner and respected leader in governance and industry, Mr. Ruptash brings over two decades of private and public sector experience, including roles on the boards of financial institutions, economic development corporations, and publicly traded companies.
