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.

In 2020, he founded Dragonworks Consulting, through which he provided expert advisory services in the areas of housing and wildlife management and assisted with several legislative reviews and updates, ensuring Indigenous knowledge and meaningful engagement were incorporated. Dr. Dragon’s education and experience underlines his profound connection and commitment to Canada’s North and to building strong and sustainable communities.

Premier Simpson thanks outgoing Principal Secretary Shaleen Woodward for her many years of service to the people of the Northwest Territories, both in that role and her work as a Deputy Minister and senior leader within the Government of the Northwest Territories.

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"I am thrilled to announce Dr. Joe Dragon's appointment as Principal Secretary. Dr. Dragon's exceptional breadth of experience and deep commitment to the North make him an invaluable asset to our team. His insights from over two decades in territorial and federal roles and his firsthand understanding of Indigenous and environmental issues position him uniquely to help us navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

• R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories

For media requests, please contact:

Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca