The Canadian territory of Nunavut was formed on April 1, 1999 through the Nunavut Act and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act. Nunavut, since its formation, has had a consensus government. In a consensus government, the premier is elected by the non-partisan members of the Legislative Assembly. Prior to April 1, 1999, the land that Nunavut occupies was part of the Northwest Territories.^[1]

History

The territory's first premier, Paul Okalik, was elected after the 1999 general elections. He was re-elected to a second term after the 2004 general elections.^[2] Although Okalik was re-elected to a third term after the 2008 general elections in the Iqaluit West riding, he was defeated by newly elected MLA Eva Aariak in the premiership vote on November 14.^[3] On 15 November, 2013, Peter Taptuna beat out Paul Okalik and Paul Quassa for the position of premier.^[4]

Premiers of Nunavut

No.	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term of office		Electoral mandates (Assembly)	Political party		Riding
1		Paul Okalik (b. 1964)	1 April 1999	19 November 2008	1999 election (1st Leg.)⁠ 2004 election (2nd Leg.)		Non-partisan	MLA for Iqaluit West
2		Eva Aariak (b. 1955)	19 November 2008	19 November 2013	2008 election (3rd Leg.)		Non-partisan	MLA for Iqaluit East
3		Peter Taptuna (b. 1956)	19 November 2013	21 November 2017	2013 election (4th Leg.)		Non-partisan	MLA for Kugluktuk
4		Paul Quassa (b. 1952)	21 November 2017	14 June 2018	2017 election (5th Leg.)		Non-partisan	MLA for Aggu
5		Joe Savikataaq (b. 1960)	14 June 2018	19 November 2021	Appointment (5th Leg.)		Non-partisan	MLA for Arviat South
6		P.J. Akeeagok (b. 1984)	19 November 2021	incumbent	2021 election (6th Leg.)		Non-partisan	MLA for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu