Schulich ExecEd and Government of Nunavut Celebrate the Graduation of Public Sector Leaders

Schulich ExecEd, in collaboration with the Government of Nunavut, proudly announces the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the Masters Certificate in Public Sector Leadership program. In March 2025, senior public sector leaders from departments and agencies across Nunavut completed this intensive 11-day program, gaining essential leadership skills to drive meaningful change across the territory.

Recognizing the critical need for adaptive leadership in the public sector, the program was carefully designed to align with Nunavut’s strategic priorities. Participants developed core competencies in transformative leadership, strategy, and technological and change leadership, while also applying vital soft skills such as strategic foresight and cross-departmental collaboration. Delivered in a virtual format, the program ensured accessibility for leaders across Nunavut, fostering a connected and inclusive learning environment despite geographical distances.

A Unique Learning Experience Rooted in Community Diversity

A defining feature of the program was its alignment with the Government of Nunavut’s commitment to building inclusive and representative leadership, specifically around increasing Inuit representation in public services, as outlined in Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement. Approximately 25% of graduates were Inuit public servants—an important reflection of the territory’s ongoing efforts across all initiatives including leadership development.

Participants came from a wide range of communities across Nunavut, including Iqaluit, Cambridge Bay, Pangnirtung, Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, and Sanikiluaq. This geographic diversity brought rich, localized perspectives to the learning environment, fostering meaningful exchanges across regions and building a stronger understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by different communities.

Schulich ExecEd collaborated closely with the Government of Nunavut’s Public Service Training team to develop a curriculum that honoured Inuit cultural values and nuances while addressing regional realities and legislative complexities. This ensured that leaders were equipped to serve their communities with both cultural relevance and strategic insight.

“Investing in Inuit leadership development is crucial for the success of Nunavut. The Masters Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Schulich ExecEd blends the lived experiences and cultural knowledge of these individuals with the strategic thinking, decision-making skills, and collaborative networks necessary to address the unique challenges faced by our territory and drive positive change in our communities.” — Alma Power, Deputy Minister, Department of Human Resources, Government of Nunavut.

Driving Cross-Departmental Collaboration and Innovation

One of the program’s signature experiences was the Snap Case Challenge, a three-day Action Learning Project designed to foster leadership, cross-departmental collaboration, and strategic problem-solving. Participants formed multidisciplinary teams to develop actionable solutions to real-world governance challenges, applying their newly acquired leadership tools in a high-pressure, results-driven environment.

Final presentations were evaluated by an esteemed panel that included:

• Peterkin Chakonza, Acting Associate Deputy Minister, Inuit Employment and Public Service Development, Department of Human Resources, Government of Nunavut
• Robert Lynn, Associate Director, Organizational Learning, Schulich ExecEd, Schulich School of Business, York University
• Sandy Kownak, Associate Deputy Minister, Wellness – Department of Family Services, Government of Nunavut (and an esteemed Inuit leader)

Building a Legacy of Leadership in Nunavut

Schulich ExecEd remains deeply committed to strengthening public sector leadership in Nunavut.

“We are honoured to support the Government of Nunavut in developing strong, resilient leaders who will shape the future of the territory,” says Rami Mayer, Executive Director of Schulich ExecEd. “This program goes beyond skill development; rather, this learning journey is about fostering a culture of leadership, collaboration, and innovation that will have a lasting impact on Nunavut’s communities. By equipping government leaders with the expertise to navigate governance complexities, this initiative directly contributes to improved service delivery, economic development, and the preservation of Nunavut’s rich cultural heritage.”

Graduates of the program are now poised to apply their skills in impactful ways—shaping policy, improving services, and leading initiatives that benefit communities across the territory. As they return to their departments, their leadership will play a pivotal role in strengthening Nunavut’s governance and contributing to a brighter, more resilient future for all Nunavummiut.