Inuit still less than 25% of all managers in Nunavut government

Inuit employment in the Government of Nunavutremains at 50 per cent overall, according to December 2014numbers released by the territory's Department of Finance.

That numberfalls short of reflecting Nunavut's population, which is 85 per centInuit, but the real shortcomings are in middle and seniormanagement, where Inuit hold less than a quarterof all jobs.

TheSivuliqtiksatProgram, whichprovides on-the-job training for beneficiaries who want to work in management, has been in place since 2001.

Ronnie Suluk, manager of Community Mining and Engagement in Arviat, went throughthe program,like his mother before him.

Suluk says three years in theinternship program played a big part in where he is today, "with a lot of help from my co-workers and my supervisor who were able to take their time and ensure that I get the whole thing down on how the industry and government works," he said.

"Now Ithink I have a good future with the GN."

The most recent report says the program has a total of 16 positions available, 10 of which are filled.

Overall, 75 per cent of the Government ofNunavut'savailablejobs were staffedin December 2014.

Chris D'Arcy, Nunavut'sdeputy minister of Finance, says the governmentis doing what it can.

"Inuit employment plans are in effect with each and every department," he said.

"We have the priority hiring policy. We have a new leadership strategy that we are just about to roll out."

He said the new strategy will consist of three-day courses every six to eight weeks for future managers and supervisors. It will include Inuit societal valuesand last until summer 2016.