Mentorship program
What is mentorship in Nunavut?
The Government of Nunavut (GN) has a mentorship program open to all GN employees to support their professional and personal growth. Participation in the program is voluntary and initiated by the employee.
Employees can participate as mentors, or as mentees, in a mentoring relationship focused on:
- Inuit Societal Values mentoring: Your mentor will help you better understand Inuit values so it is easier for you to excel in a cross-cultural work environment.
- Social mentoring: Your mentor will assist you with balancing work, family and community life.
- Leadership mentoring: Your mentor will guide you in developing the leadership skills you need in your actual position or in a supervisory role that you would like to fill in the future.
- Specialized mentoring: Your mentor will help you grow in your actual position by sharing tips that are specifically related to your tasks.
- Hivuliqtikhanut mentoring: Your mentor is a previous graduate from the Hivuliqtikhanut program and will help you understand the concepts used in the program and apply them to your work.
Mentorship in Nunavut is a program that was developed with an emphasis on traditional Inuit values such as:
- Inuuqatigiitsiarniq, respecting others, relationships, and caring for people
- Tunnganarniq, fostering good spirit by being open, welcoming and inclusive
- Pijitsirniq, serving and providing for family and/or community
- Aajiiqatigiinniq, decision making through discussion and consensus
- Pilimaksarniq/Pijariuqsarniq, development of skills through observation, mentoring, practice, and effort
- Piliriqatigiinniq/Ikajuqtigiinniq, working together for a common cause
- Qanuqtuurniq, being innovative and resourceful
- Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq, respect and care for the land, animals and the environment
- Mentoring is a life-long resource.
Who is the mentee?
The mentee is a person who seeks the support of a mentor, formally or informally, for personal or professional growth. It is a self-development process initiated and driven by an employee (the mentee) who seeks to learn from someone with greater experience (the mentor). The goal is to benefit from open-ended discussions about setting and revising goals by sharing experiences, knowledge, perceptions, and resources.
Who is the mentor?
The mentor is someone with a lot of experience who can assist the mentee in reaching his/her goals or objectives. This is done by asking probing questions that the mentee might not have thought of. The mentor and the mentee are honor-bound to hold their mentorship, and all related communications, strictly confidential.
What is the process to obtain a mentor?
- Identify the objectives by reviewing a learning plan, etc.
- Submit an application form along with a resume
- Review and matching by the mentorship and career planning specialists
- Initial meeting
- Quarterly updates
- Closure
Factors considered when matching mentors and mentees:
- Years of service
- Type of mentoring
- Technical skills and competencies
How do I benefit from the mentorship program?
Professionally and personally – as a mentee, you will become more confident, focused, and prepared for future professional roles and ready to pass on what you learn. As a mentor, you will have strengthened someone’s skills and competencies and gain coaching experience.
Mentoring helps develop skilled and experienced employees who can better serve Nunavut residents.
Who can I contact for more information?