(YELLOWKNIFE) Friday, June 19, 2026 – The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Shane Thompson, expresses heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and communities of former Member of the Legislative Assembly Ernie Bernhardt, who recently passed away.
Elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1991 as the Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Bernhardt served on several Standing and Special Committees, including Finance, Public Accounts, Health and Social Services, and Constitutional Reform. His work reflected a strong commitment to public service, community well-being, and the people of the Kitikmeot region.
Beyond territorial politics, Mr. Bernhardt remained deeply involved in community life throughout the North. He served as both councillor and mayor of Kugluktuk and was actively engaged in recreation and cultural initiatives across the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Bernhardt was particularly passionate about preserving and promoting traditional Inuit games and cultural practices. Throughout his life, he worked to ensure that Inuit traditions were passed on to younger generations, recognizing their importance as expressions of identity, culture, and resilience. He was also known for his hands-on approach with youth, actively coaching and mentoring them through traditional Inuit games and helping to keep these practices alive in communities across the North. His contributions included serving as coordinator of the Northern Games Association in Inuvik, supporting cultural programming at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics and the 1978 Commonwealth Games, and coordinating the first Inuit Circumpolar Games in Kugluktuk in 2003.
Widely respected as a mentor, leader, and advocate for Inuit youth, Mr. Bernhardt inspired pride, confidence, and a lasting connection to culture among many young people across the North.
“Ernie Bernhardt dedicated his life to serving northern communities and strengthening Inuit culture. I had the privilege of knowing him personally since 1988 in Kugluktuk and witnessed firsthand his commitment to the North and its people. Whether through public service, community leadership, or his work with youth and traditional Inuit games, he made a lasting impact on people across the North. On behalf of all Members of the Legislative Assembly, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the many communities he served. His contributions will be remembered with respect and gratitude, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
– The Honourable Shane Thompson, Speaker
In his honour, flags at the Legislative Assembly were lowered to half-mast.
For further information, please contact:
Public Affairs and Communications
Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly
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