Published 3:44 pm Thursday, October 15, 2026 By Kody Ferron Local Journalism Initiative Northern News Services If all goes according to schedule, Erwin Elias’ fate as Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) chair will be determined by the end of this month. The IRC announced on Thursday that “certified” resolutions from the boards of at least four of the community corporations that are a part of the organization are demanding a vote be held to determine whether the IRC chair should be removed from office. That vote is scheduled to happen Oct. 28 and 29 in accordance with the IRC’s bylaws, stated the release, An independent investigation began in June based on allegations made to the IRC and to the chairs of the six community corporations regarding Elias. Following the investigation, the IRC board was given an investigation summary, prepared by the investigator on a confidential basis. “Out of respect for that process and for the individuals involved, IRC will not comment further on the investigation or its findings,” stated the Thursday release. Elias temporarily stepped aside as chair on July 24, following an unspecified allegation that was brought to the IRC, which they said would be investigated, and which predated his tenure as chair. IRC programs, services and operations will continue as normal, and the IRC will provide an update once the vote has concluded. In a January interview following his election win, Elias told NNSL that he wasn’t “here to hurt the organization.” He had defeated six other candidates this past January, including Housing NWT Minister Lucy Kuptana and then-incumbent chair Duane Smith, to become chair. He formerly served as mayor of Tuktoyaktuk. IRC vice-chair Jordan McLeod has been acting as chair during the investigation,
Erwin Elias fate as Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair to be decided by vote later this month
