Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
“On September 30, we honour the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children who were forced to attend residential schools, we remember the children who never made it home, and we recognize the strength of Survivors, their families, and their communities.
Premier R.J. Simpson extends his deepest condolences on the passing of Sam Gargan, a respected Elder, leader, and former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly whose lifelong service to the people of the Dehcho and the Northwest Territories leaves an enduring legacy.
“Sam Gargan was a dedicated leader who gave decades of service to the Northwest Territories. Over four terms as the Member for Deh Cho, including his final term as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, he helped guide the consensus system with fairness and respect, strengthening the foundation of our legislature.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today to mark the 20th anniversary of the Tłı̨chǫ Government:
“Twenty years ago, the Tłı̨chǫ Government was formally established — the first in the Northwest Territories to combine a comprehensive land claim and a self-government agreement. It was a landmark achievement that reflected decades of vision, unity, and determination, and enshrined the Tłı̨chǫ Nation’s right to make decisions for their own people, in their own way.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today following his participation in the community celebration of the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Final Self-Government Agreement in Norman Wells:
“This weekend, I had the honour of joining President Sherry Hodgson and the community of Norman Wells to celebrate a moment generations in the making. The ratification of the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Final Self-Government Agreement marks a major step forward in the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę journey to reclaim and renew their system of governance.
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today following the public release of the third-party investigation into elevated lead levels in school drinking water systems:
“As a parent, a lifelong resident of Yellowknife, and the Minister of Education, I want to begin by acknowledging how difficult and distressing this situation has been for families, students, and staff. I understand the frustration and concern that many are feeling.
Hay River (July 9, 2025) - Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today on Premier P.J. Akeeagok’s announcement that he will not seek re-election this fall:
"I want to extend my sincere thanks to Premier Akeeagok for his leadership, his friendship, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Nunavut and to the North as a whole.
Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler has completed a successful visit to the Sahtu Region, where she was joined by Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) Public Administrator Dan Florizone along with MLA McNeely. The visit included stops in the communities of Tulita, Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells.
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today on federal immigration policy and the urgent need to restore the Northwest Territories’ nominee allocations:
“Earlier this month in Ottawa, I raised a clear and urgent concern with the federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship: the Northwest Territories needs its full nominee program allocation restored—and we need a more flexible, Northern-focused approach moving forward.
Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains Caroline Wawzonek and Premier R.J. Simpson, represented by MLA Denny Rodgers, delivered keynote remarks last week at the 2025 Arctic Development Expo in Inuvik. Both speeches emphasized a shared message: Arctic security begins with strong, sustainable Northern communities—and securing the Arctic requires urgent, coordinated investment from the Government of Canada.
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.
