February is Indigenous Languages Month in the Northwest Territories. Indigenous languages are the foundation of the territory's identity, pride, and community. This month, help support Indigenous language revitalization and ask everyone to "say it in our languages" to encourage them to speak Indigenous languages with pride.

Denekʼę́ arı̨dı

(deh-nek ay ah-deen-dee)

Dene t'á arı̨nı̨

(deh-net ah ah-reen-ee)

Dene kʼę́ę́ adındı

(deh-nek ay ah-deen-dee)

Dinjih zhuh kʼyuu tʼijiinuh

Premier R.J. Simpson announced today that John MacDonald will assume the role of Secretary to Cabinet and Deputy Minister of the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, effective immediately. The Secretary to Cabinet provides coordination and leadership to the executive branch of government and is the most senior official within the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) public service.

Last week, Cabinet members of the 20th Assembly of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and officials attended the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup conference in Vancouver to promote the territory’s mineral resources sector.

Premier R.J. Simpson was joined by Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caitlin Cleveland, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Infrastructure Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jay Macdonald, and Member of the Legislative Assembly Daniel McNeely.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the 2021 Flood After-Action Review (AAR) Report. An external consultant was contracted to undertake the review to hear the perspectives of those who were involved with or affected by the 2021 flood so that the GNWT can better prepare for future emergencies.

Minister of Justice R.J. Simpson announced today the judicial appointment of Mr. Gary Magee to the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories. This appointment will be effective January 17, 2024.

Mr. Magee holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia and a Masters in Constitutional Law from Osgoode Hall, York University. 

He has practiced law for 19 years and has spent the majority of his legal career living and working in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. He has a broad range of experience covering criminal, family, and civil law.

The following links are being redistributed on behalf of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Government of Canada.

https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/media-newsroom/news-releases/2024/federal-government-supports-new-homes-northwest-territories

Premier R.J. Simpson has announced the following portfolio assignments for Members of the 20th Legislative Assembly’s Executive Council:

Premier R.J. Simpson has announced that Dr. Joe Dragon has been appointed Principal Secretary, effective December 11, 2023.

Born in Fort Smith and a Smith’s Landing First Nation member, Dr. Dragon joins the Premier’s Office after a distinguished 28-year career in territorial and federal public service. In addition to several senior leadership roles with the federal government, Dr. Dragon has served as the Deputy Minister of the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Infrastructure.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Conference of Management Authorities, c/o NWT Species at Risk Secretariat.

Child and Youth Counselling (CYC) services have been revamped this school year to improve supports for students, youth and families in Northwest Territories (NWT) schools and communities. While students and families may see changes during the 2023-24 school year as the CYC service model changes, mental health services will still be available in schools and communities during this time.