STATEMENT: Inuvialuit directors affirm confidence in chair and focus on the work ahead

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INUVIK, NT, 29 October 2026 – The 42 Directors representing Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the six community corporations met on 28 and 29 October to consider the allegations concerning IRC Chair Erwin Elias and to determine the path forward for the organization.

Following a comprehensive process and careful consideration of the information before them, the directors voted for Erwin Elias to continue serving as chair, and affirmed their confidence in his leadership as IRC moves forward.

The directors received a detailed overview from external legal counsel of the process undertaken in response to the allegations. That process included the engagement of a national law firm and an experienced independent investigator.

The directors acknowledged that the process has been lengthy and, at times, difficult for the organization and the people involved. However, IRC believes that strong institutions must be prepared to address difficult issues carefully, fairly and with appropriate independent advice. The time and resources committed to the process reflect the importance IRC places on good governance and its responsibility to Inuvialuit.

The report concluded that there had been no breach of IRC’s Bylaws.

The directors also recognized the seriousness of the matters addressed through the process and the importance of respecting all individuals involved. Consistent with its role as a governing organization, IRC’s review examined the allegations against its policies and bylaws and found no breach of either.

The responsibility of the 42 Directors was to consider the information presented to them, fulfill their governance responsibilities and determine whether they continued to have confidence in the leadership of IRC.

Having completed that work, the directors made their decision and expressed their support for Erwin Elias continuing as chair.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the directors to have an open discussion about IRC’s future and how the organization’s leadership and directors can work together even more effectively in delivering for Inuvialuit.

“We have gone through a thorough process, we have heard the information before us, and the directors have made their decision,” Vice Chair Jordan McLeod said. “It is now important that we come together as an organization and focus our energy on the important work ahead for Inuvialuit.”

That work is substantial.

During the remainder of the meeting, the directors reviewed the significant progress being made across IRC’s housing, infrastructure and health initiatives. They also discussed the continued implementation of IRC’s major priorities and the immense undertaking associated with defence and the opportunities it could create for the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

The directors discussed how they can better support the chair as he leads this work, while continuing to strengthen the governance, accountability and effectiveness of IRC.

The directors believe IRC enters its next chapter with strong leadership, important work underway and a shared responsibility to continue delivering meaningful results for Inuvialuit.

Recent months have been challenging for IRC, its leadership and the broader Inuvialuit community. The directors recognize that people may hold different views about what has occurred. Those differences should be respected.

What must remain common is IRC’s commitment to Inuvialuit.

The directors have made their decision. Their focus, and the focus of the chair is now on bringing the organization together, strengthening IRC and continuing the important work underway across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

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