The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the NWT Council of Leaders are hosting a three-day summit in Yellowknife from January 20 to 22, 2026. The event, Following the North Star: Primary Health Care Reimagined Together, will bring together Indigenous governments, health system leaders, and national experts to share lessons and explore promising models of care.
Residents across the Northwest Territories are invited to share their perspectives on mental wellness and addictions recovery services. Your feedback will help improve access, equity, and culturally safe supports for people and families across the NWT.
The survey runs until April 24, 2026 and is open to everyone, regardless of whether you’ve accessed these services directly. Residents can respond as a direct user of these services, or on behalf of a child, dependent, or someone they support as a service provider.
Discover a new video series that celebrates Indigenous systems of care and the important role they serve in supporting children, youth, and families across the NWT.
This series features powerful stories from Indigenous caregivers, Elders and community members, highlighting traditions such as Custom Adoption, shared caregiving and community-led support. These practices are rooted in culture and belonging which are essential to the wellbeing of children and families
The video series is intended to:
Health and Social Services providers in select primary care and community health settings across the Northwest Territories are beginning to use Mika AI Scribe, a new tool that creates draft clinical notes during patient visits. This one-year pilot, in partnership with all three Health and Social Services Authorities, is designed to help providers spend more time on patient care and less on paperwork, while maintaining strong privacy and consent protections.
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.
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.
Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler issued the following statement today:
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.
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 Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Mildred Hall School in Yellowknife. 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.
