“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.”
– Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland
The troubled education system in the Dehcho region will soon come under close examination by an independent investigator — a rare move by the GNWT’s Executive Council.
Over the past several months, Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland’s department has heard “serious concerns” from parents, educators, community members, and education partners in the Dehcho.
“These concerns relate to governance, financial management, workplace culture, communication, and human resources,” Cleveland stated in a release issued late Friday afternoon, as some of the nine schools in the division just finished their year.
The Dehcho Divisional Education Council and its District Education Authorities have been audited and Education Department officials have been gathering information to, “better understand the situation.”
Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland during a tense Oral Questions session on May 22, 2025. Deputy Premier Caroline Wawzonek is at left. (Assembly livestream)
Separately, the Department of Finance is leading a human resources investigation related to personnel matters.
“While I recognize there is a need for urgent action in these areas, preliminary findings suggest the value of a broader examination,” stated Cleveland, citing section 113 of the Education Act.
“This review will examine whether governance and operational responsibilities are being fulfilled by all parties.”
The independent review will begin in July 2025 and will include input from current and former elected officials, administrative staff, educators, parents, and community members.
Cleveland called on the investigation’s “participants” to be “respectful and constructive.”
Specific details of the allegations aren’t clear in a system that is headquartered in Fort Simpson with trustees from there and Kakisa, Jean Marie River, Sambaa K’e, Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte, Wrigley and Fort Providence.
Minister Cleveland stated she was sensitive to the impact the situation could have on Indigenous peoples.
“I understand many residents want to see action, and I share that sense of urgency,” she stated.
“I also recognize that for some families — particularly Indigenous families still living with the intergenerational impacts of residential schools — these situations can be especially difficult.
“That’s why this work must be carried out with care, fairness, and respect.”
Shortly before the NWT Assembly rose for its summer break last month, Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart raised many of the issues he had found while in Fort Simpson at the invitation of concerned parties.
“It is heartbreaking to see duly elected community representatives and hard-working parents not getting the help they deserve to address very serious concerns,” he said.
Testart said the allegations include:
– Mishandling of a critical incident;
– leadership failures and inaction;
– misinformation and inconsistent communication;
– alleged retaliation and abuse of authority;
– lack of transparent communication with staff and families;
– failure to facilitate restorative practices or community healing; and,
– blocking student participation in school activities due to interpersonal conflicts.
“The effects of these actions have reportedly led to high staff turnover and multiple stress leaves, a loss of trust among educators, families, and the broader community, and a sense of un-safety within the school environment,” said the MLA.
Cleveland appeared uncertain what she could say at that time.
“We need to make sure that we are operating with due process in the territory while respecting the residents of the territory as well,” she said.
“There’s due process underway right now, and we are honouring those processes.”
The investigation is expected to conclude by the end of August, with findings and next steps to be “shared in the new school year.”
CKLB reminds readers as with matters before court, innocence is assumed of all involved in this story unless allegations are validated.