Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland said that over the past several months the GNWT has heard “serious concerns” from parents, educators, community members and education partners in the Dehcho. In response, Minister Cleveland, who is the education minister, announced on Friday that an independent investigation beginning in July will look into Dehcho Divisional Education Council and its District Education Authorities governance and operational practices.
The investigation will look at whether assigned responsibilities are being fulfilled by elected officials and administrative staff.
The investigation will include feedback from elected officials, administrative staff, educators, parents and community member with findings and next steps to be shared in the new school year
“These concerns relate to governance, financial management, workplace culture, communication, and human resources,” said Minister Cleveland.
The GNWT’s Internal Audit Bureau has also launched a financial review of the Dehcho Divisional Education Council and its District Education Authorities.
Minister Cleveland said that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is continuing to work with the Dehcho’s education district and education authorities to gather information and better understand the situation.
The minister acknowledged the need for swift action in response to the concerns voiced by parents, educators and other stakeholders but said that “preliminary findings” suggested that a “broader examination” would be beneficial.
Minister Cleveland said that she is appointing an independent investigator to conduct a formal review of the Dehcho Divisional Education Council and its District Education Authorities in the education district.
“The review will examine governance and operational practices and assess whether assigned responsibilities are being fulfilled effectively by both elected officials and administrative staff,” said Minister Cleveland in the June 20 announcement.
A separate investigation focussing on human resources is being led by the Department of Finance, said the minister.
The minister said the independent review is expected to be complete by the end of August and said findings along with discussion of the next steps will be shared in the new school year.
“I encourage all participants to take part in a respectful and constructive way,” said Cleveland.
“I understand many residents want to see action, and I share that sense of urgency. 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,” Cleveland continued.
The minister emphasized that a commitment to ensuring “safe, inclusive, and accountable” school environments as a main priority.
“By working together through these processes, we can strengthen education in the Dehcho and support the success and well-being of students, staff, and communities.”
True North FM reached out to Minister Cleveland for more details around these issues. Minister Cleveland’s office shared the following response:
“At this time, the Minister has shared everything she has to say in her recent statement. We understand there may be additional questions, but out of respect for those involved – and for the integrity of the review processes – she won’t be providing further comment at this stage.”
