Pilimmaksaivik celebrates 10 years
Statement by the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
On May 9, 2026, Pilimmaksaivik, the Federal Centre of Excellence for Inuit Employment in Nunavut, celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Since its creation in 2016, Pilimmaksaivik has worked with partners to support the Whole-of-Government implementation of Article 23 in the Nunavut Agreement to increase and maintain Inuit representation in the federal public service in Nunavut.
Through Pilimmaksaivik's leadership and programming, federal departments in Nunavut are removing barriers and improving the recruitment, retention, advancement and promotion of Nunavut Inuit. The Government of Canada is working to create a federal public service in Nunavut where Inuit can thrive and participate at the highest levels.
By increasing the representation of Nunavut Inuit in the Government of Canada, Pilimmaksaivik and their partners can help ensure that federal departments meaningfully address the needs of the territory, and that Inuit are served by a federal public service that deeply understands their values, needs, and experiences.
Since 2017, Inuit employment has risen from 37% to 50% in the federal public service in the Nunavut Settlement Area. This is important progress, but Inuit still face barriers. Pilimmaksaivik continues working towards a representative federal public service through programming that promotes cultural awareness and understanding in the workplace. The Centre provides Inuit with culturally relevant training and learning opportunities to help them enter, advance, and thrive in the federal public service. This work contributes to long-term labour force development in Nunavut and supports broader efforts toward Inuit economic participation and reconciliation.
I am proud to be the Minister responsible for CanNor and to recognize Pilimmaksaivik's dedication and accomplishments. As we celebrate their 10th anniversary, I want to acknowledge the hard work of past and present Pilimmaksaivik staff. Pilimmaksaivik's work is led by and for Nunavut Inuit, and their contribution is essential in building a better future for Nunavut.
Ten years supporting Nunavut Inuit in the federal public service
From 2017 to 2025, Inuit representation in the federal public service across the Nunavut Settlement Area rose from 37% to 50%. Representation has increased across levels and position types, with more Inuit occupying senior and indeterminate positions.
Pilimmaksaivik continues to work towards a fully representative workforce.
Over the past 10 years, Pilimmaksaivik has organized culturally-relevant programs and coordinated the Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan for 11 departments and agencies operating within Nunavut.
Connecting Nunavut Inuit to federal public service jobs
- Since 2017, the Inuksugait Resume Inventory has been matching Inuit with positions in the Government of Canada. As of March 2025, there were 125 candidates in the inventory which has led to a total of 30 successful appointments at jobs in the federal public service.
- Launched in 2013, Pilimmaksaivik's Inuit Learning and Development Program has supported 4 cohorts, leading to 36 Nunavut Inuit joining the federal public service in Nunavut.
- Since 2023, the Nunavut Inuit Summer Student Initiative has led to the Government of Canada hiring 13 Nunavut Inuit students across departments and agencies.
- Between 2017 and 2023, Pilimmaksaivik hosted 6 Career Fairs travelling to 13 communities including: Rankin Inlet, Naujaat, Arviat, Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Kugluktuk, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq and Ottawa.
- In 2025, Pilimmaksaivik relocated to a dedicated office with classroom space and resume-writing areas. The new office is open to the public and provides staff with space to expand programming.
Helping Nunavut Inuit employees develop and thrive
- Through Sivuliqtiunirmut Ilinniarniq Leadership Training, Pilimmaksaivik has provided supervisor development to 73 Inuit in the federal public service in Nunavut.
- Through the Ilipallianniq Education Support Fund, Pilimmaksaivik has provided over $2.3 million in education support for 22 Inuit participants.
- Pilimmaksaivik wellness counsellors have provided appointments for 523 Government of Canada employees to support Inuit staff wellbeing.
- Established in 2017, the Kittuaq Network (formerly titled the Inuit Employees Network), hosts 160 Inuit members with a target of 210 members by March 2027.
- Pilimmaksaivik's Inuktut Language Training Fund has provided funding for 17 participants across 6 departments totaling over $1.2 million in funds.
Promoting awareness in the federal public service
- Since 2018, Pilimmaksaivik has hosted yearly Qaujimajatuqangit Cultural Immersion Days including dog sledding, berry picking, clam digging and ice fishing. The program featured virtual days during the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown to include multiple days a year.
- Since 2024, Pilimmaksaivik has provided Nunavut Agreement Article 23 training to 30 managers and supervisors across the federal government within Nunavut.
Learn more about Pilimmaksaivik programs! Explore the stories of Nunavut Inuit in the federal public service: Inuit career journeys