The YWCA N.W.T. has decided to postpone its annual general meeting for a second time to conduct an independent review of the organization. This move follows the recent termination of former executive director Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay, who expressed surprise at being let go without explanation. Dumbuya-Sesay, who had been in the executive director role since 2020 and had a 17-year tenure with the YWCA, held various positions within the organization.
Initially scheduled for September and later rescheduled to October 24, the annual general meeting faced another delay, with board president Rami Kaur apologizing to members in a news release sent on Wednesday night. The release did not provide a new date for the meeting.
The YWCA N.W.T., a non-profit that advocates for women, families, and youth in the North, offers various programs such as housing assistance, youth leadership initiatives, and childcare services. Affiliated with YWCA Canada, the organization aims to support its staff, protect members’ rights, and maintain public trust through a comprehensive third-party organizational audit. This audit will assess governance, leadership, workplace culture, and accountability, with a potential focus on enhancing relationships and program delivery for Indigenous communities.
Although details about the review process and the responsible party were not disclosed in the statement, the board committed to updating members as the review progresses. CBC News has requested a comment from the YWCA N.W.T.
