Published 11:50 am Friday, October 30, 2026 By Kody Ferron Local Journalism Initiative Northern News Services Erwin Elias will be staying on as chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC). A release from the IRC on Thursday stated that its 42 directors “… voted for Erwin Elias to continue serving as chair, and affirmed their confidence in his leadership as IRC moves forward.” The six community corporations that are part of the IRC were also involved in the meeting, which happened on Oct. 28 and 29. The IRC stated that the decision was “comprehensive” and took “careful consideration of the information before them.” “The directors received a detailed overview from external legal counsel of the process undertaken in response to the allegations,” stated the release. “That process included the engagement of a national law firm and an experienced independent investigator.” The investigation report concluded that Elias did not breach IRC’s bylaws. Elias stepped aside from his duties as chair in July when several people came forward to the IRC with unspecified allegations. Following an investigation into those allegations, the IRC announced they would hold a vote to determine if Elias would stay on as chair. The release also stated that its directors recognize the seriousness of the accusations brought about Elias, and that people may hold different views about what occurred. “Those differences should be respected,” said their release. IRC vice-chair Jordan McLeod, who was acting as chair while Elias was under investigation, stated that the decision is final. “We have gone through a thorough process, we have heard the information before us, and the directors have made their decision,” he stated. “It is now important that we come together as an organization and focus our energy on the important work ahead for Inuvialuit.” Elias was elected chair and CEO of the IRC on Jan. 21, and previously served as mayor of Tuktoyaktuk.
Erwin Elias cleared of any wrongdoing following IRC investigation
