As schools in the Northwest Territories begin a new academic year, a representative from a school board is calling for ongoing funding support from the territorial government to provide stability for schools. The recent one-time funding injection of $30 million for inclusive schooling in the 2026-2027 budget helped alleviate some financial pressures for schools, including the Yellowknife Catholic Schools (YCS) following the loss of federal Jordan’s Principle funding.
Tina Schauerte, the board chair for YCS, expressed concerns about the uncertainty of funding each year, stating, “So it’s just always that game of are we going to get it? Are they going to be nice to us?” The impact of the loss of Jordan’s Principle funding was felt across various school districts in the territory, leading to reductions in staffing and services.
Before the changes in 2025, Schauerte mentioned that her district received $7.4 million in Jordan’s Principle funding, which supported numerous essential roles such as education assistants, counselors, and cultural programming for Indigenous students. The shift in funding eligibility criteria meant off-reserve schools could no longer receive block funding through the program.
YCS received approximately $4.4 million from the N.W.T.’s inclusive schooling allocation, and Schauerte emphasized the importance of integrating this funding into the core budget. She highlighted the increased advocacy efforts required to secure funding from the territorial government in recent years.
Despite challenges faced by schools, the inclusive schooling funding from the N.W.T. helped mitigate the impact of losing Jordan’s Principle funding. Shirley Zouboules, the superintendent of the Yellowknife Education District No. 1, noted that the inclusive schooling funding allowed them to reinstate some positions that were previously cut, providing relief to staff.
Zouboules stressed the importance of unified advocacy by school boards for stable funding and expressed optimism for the upcoming school year. She acknowledged the dedication of school staff in overcoming challenges and ensuring the best outcomes for students.