Iqaluit, Nunavut – March 1, 2019 – Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is pleased to announce the first Qikiqtani Daycare Managers’ Conference. The three-day event takes place from March 5 to March 7 in Iqaluit, bringing together daycare managers from across the Qikiqtani Region.

Early learning and childcare (ELCC) has been a priority for QIA since 2017, when it was identified by Qikiqtani communities as a priority for new programs. Community members told QIA that they wanted to see more early learning programs and resources developed for families and daycares, resources that are culturally infused and available in Inuktitut.

“An investment in Inuktitut early learning resources and daycares is an investment in our future as Inuit,” says QIA President P.J. Akeeagok, “we want every Inuk child in the Qikiqtani Region to learn in an environment that reflects our culture.” 

The conference will feature several Qikiqtani-based presenters, and include sessions on Inuit history, the Inunnguiniq parenting program, and daycare governance training. QIA will also unveil new resources developed for daycares, such as puppets, puzzles, books, and a pre-phonics program.

The Daycare Manager’s Conference is a part of QIAs Ipitiki program which focuses on projects that support Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) in the Qikiqtani Region.

Ipitiki is made possible through funding from the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation.

For more information, please contact:

Sima Sahar Zerehi,

Director of Communications,

Qikiqtani Inuit Association

szerehi@qia.ca

867.975.8413 or

1.800.667.2742