Stretching the concept of representative bureaucracy: the case of Nunavut

• Published in: International Review of Administrative Sciences
• Main Author: Timpson, Annis May
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 2006
• Subjects: Nunavut; inuit
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0020852306070081; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0020852306070081

This article examines the complexities of creating a representative public service in the new Canadian territory of Nunavut. It discusses initiatives taken to build a representative public service that reflects the composition, language base and cultural interests of the territory’s predominantly Inuit population. The article shows how the Government of Nunavut’s multi-dimensional approach to creating a population-reflective public service stretches the concept of representative bureaucracy. It highlights the potential radicalizing effects of creating a public service grounded in Indigenous perspectives and experience.