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.
ECE’s Assistant Deputy Minister Shannon Barnett-Aikman presented an update about the work done surrounding Education Act Modernization, the ongoing Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 Curriculum Renewal Project, and the Inclusive Schooling Review.
Minister Cleveland provided the latest information regarding water testing in NWT schools and discussed how to improve communication between ECE, the Education Bodies and the parents and guardians of students. She also assured attendees of ECE’s commitment to work with education bodies to provide the best available support to students despite changes brought to Jordan’s Principle funding. The Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to advocate directly with the Government of Canada to find long-term funding solutions.
Discussions were held about the policies in place for the use of cell phones in schools. Minister Cleveland discussed with Education Leaders potential options for bringing forward a territory-wide policy in this area. Further steps will be confirmed ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.
Participants reviewed and provided feedback on the Forum’s Terms of Reference that is intended to advance cooperation between the Minister of ECE and the Education Leaders, to facilitate the sharing of information, and to enhance communication while working together to provide excellence in education for all NWT students. The revised document will be shared with Education Leaders for their review and approval prior to the next scheduled meeting.
The next Education Leaders meeting will be held in November 2025.
Quotes
“I am pleased to have another opportunity to hold a constructive meeting with the Education Leaders of the Northwest Territories and I am glad to see the progress made over the past few months. As the school year concludes, I want to thank the Education Leaders for their ongoing dedication. This collaboration is essential as there is plenty of work ahead of us to continue improving NWT students' outcomes.”
- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
“Education Leaders appreciate these opportunities to meet with Minister Cleveland. A collaborative approach is essential to building a more robust and modern education system in the NWT. We look forward to continuing to work together to find ways to enhance the support available to NWT students.”
- David Wasylciw, Chairperson, NWT Education Leaders & Chairperson, Yellowknife Education District No. 1
For media requests, please contact:
Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Agata_Gutkowska@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9352 ext. 71073
David Wasylciw,
Chairperson, NWT Education Leaders & Chairperson, Yellowknife Education District No. 1
david.wasylciw@yk1.nt.ca