The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation says a vote will take place later this month to decide whether Erwin Elias should be removed as the Indigenous government’s chair.
Elias was elected chair of the IRC in January but was placed on leave since July. At the time, the IRC said his leave would continue “while an allegation that predates his election is independently investigated.”
The details of that allegation have not been made public.
After this article was first published, the IRC said Elias had returned from his period of leave “earlier this fall.”
In an update published to its website on Thursday, the IRC said the investigation’s findings – which were also not specified – had been circulated to community leaders.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
At least four of the six communities under the IRC’s umbrella have subsequently requested “that a vote be held on whether the IRC chair is to be removed from office,” the corporation stated.
“In accordance with the bylaws, IRC has scheduled a meeting and vote on this matter for October 28 and 29, 2026,” the news release continued.
“IRC is committed to a process that is fair to all parties and that follows the governance framework Inuvialuit have established. Out of respect for that process and for the individuals involved, IRC will not comment further on the investigation or its findings.”
Vice-chair Jordan McLeod was the acting chair earlier in the summer.
Correction: October 15, 2026 – 13:13 MT. This article initially stated Elias had been on leave since July. The IRC did not respond to emails dated October 8 and October 14 seeking an update, but did respond after this article was first published to clarify that Elias had returned to work earlier in the fall.
