Nunavummiut with strong community ties and a commitment to careful, culturally informed work are being asked to consider a new role supporting death investigations across the territory.
Territorial recruitment aims to strengthen local capacity
The Nunavut Coroner’s Office has begun recruiting community coroners — part‑time, on‑call contributors who assist with enquiries into unexpected or unexplained deaths and help families through difficult processes. The positions are not full‑time: community coroners respond to cases as required and are paid for each file they handle.
The job includes working closely with the coroner’s office to establish the circumstances surrounding a death and contributing to preventive efforts that may reduce future harm. Training will be provided to successful applicants.
What the role involves
The coroner’s office lists core responsibilities that draw on both investigative rigour and community knowledge. Applicants should expect to:
- assist with investigations into unexpected deaths;
- work with the territorial coroner’s office to determine circumstances surrounding a death;
- offer support to grieving families during and after investigations;
- contribute local context and knowledge that can inform prevention strategies.
Applicants must be proficient in English. The office specifically encourages candidates who speak Inuktitut and who have familiarity with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit — Inuit knowledge and values — to apply, recognising that community language and cultural understanding are important assets in sensitive, local investigations.
Training, payment and practical details
The coroner’s office emphasises that the positions are flexible and will not require full‑time commitment. Payment is provided on a per‑case basis; the office will supply training to prepare new community coroners for the responsibilities they will assume. No specific hourly rate or fee schedule is included in the public notice.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Employment type | Part‑time, on‑call (paid per case) |
| Language requirements | English required; Inuktitut speakers encouraged |
| Training | Provided by Nunavut Coroner’s Office |
While the office has not published a detailed schedule of training sessions or a timeline for onboarding, the invitation to apply is an opportunity for people who already support community health, social services or emergency response to put those skills to a formally recognised use.
How to apply or get more information
Those interested in learning more or applying for a community coroner role are asked to contact Deputy Chief Coroner Avelyn Vargas. The office provided these direct contacts: phone 867‑975‑6588 and email avargas@gov.nu.ca.
Because community coroners can play a vital role in bridging territorial investigative processes with local language, culture and family supports, this recruitment drive is likely to attract people who are already engaged in community caregiving, health or emergency response work.
Why local coroners matter
Having trained community coroners across Nunavut brings several practical benefits. Local responders can provide timely on‑the‑ground observations and culturally informed perspectives that enrich investigations. They can also help ensure families receive respectful, clear communication in their own language and that findings are interpreted within the social and cultural context of affected communities.
As the territory continues to build public services that reflect Inuit knowledge and priorities, roles such as community coroner are part of a wider effort to ground government functions in local realities. The coroner’s office has signalled that it wants applicants who can bring that perspective to difficult work.
For now, the coroner’s office is collecting interest and will follow up with details about training, case expectations and the application process. Anyone considering the role is encouraged to reach out to Avelyn Vargas at the phone number or email provided.
