Daycare Subsidy
Helping Inuit Families Pay for Childcare
The QIA Daycare Subsidy was launched in October 2017 under the new Benefits Fund program. The program helps Qikiqtani Inuit parents who have children in licensed daycares in the Qikiqtani Region pay for their daycare costs.
This subsidy builds on Kakivak Association’s existing program. Since the late 1990s, Kakivak has administered a parental subsidy program with funds from the Government of Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative program.
The QIA subsidy tops up the existing Kakivak subsidy of $19 per day, per child, providing Inuit parents $29 per day for daycare costs. The QIA daycare subsidy will be available until March 2022.
Through this program QIA has assisted approximately 200 Inuit children attending daycares. Parents in the Qikiqtani region receive up to $2,500 per child, per year to attend licensed daycares. This represents a nearly $500,000 per year investment in daycare access.
“The daycare subsidy has helped us so much. Daycare costs are very high but it’s something our family needs. Daycare gives my daughter more than homecare or babysitting; it helps her learn.”
– Lizzie Aliqatuqtuq
To learn more visit Kakivak Association
Daycare Resources
Early Childhood Learning Resources: Strengthening Early Childhood Development
In 2018, QIA worked with Inhabit Media to develop early childhood learning resources such as puppets, puzzles, books, and a pre-phonics program that reflect Inuit life and culture.
In partnership with the Government of Nunavut Department of Education these resources were sent to 55 daycares across Nunavut. QIA estimates that over 1,000 Qikiqtani children are benefiting from this educational material. This program is made possible through QIA’s Benefits Fund. Books available through Inhabit Media
Ipitiki Program
Strengthening Early Childhood Development in the Qikiqtani Region
In 2018, QIA launched a new program, Ipitiki, aimed at delivering culturally and linguistically relevant early childcare resources.
The Ipitiki Program includes:
- Resources to support Elders’ involvement in daycares
- Family literacy packages
- A daycare conference and training
- Customized training for daycare board members
To learn more visit makigiaqta.com
SPROUTS Day Camp
Building Inuit Youth Leadership, Teamwork and Life Skills
QIA is proud to fund the SPROUTS Summer Day Camp Program. This program provides care, fun and education for children aged 5-9, special helpers (ages 10-12) and staff (ages 13-18). SPROUTS runs annually in Iqaluit for four to six weeks during July and August.
The core purpose of this program is for Inuit youth to learn leadership skills, teamwork and program design and delivery. Using traditional Inuit practices to engage in the learning of science and arts, children and youth participate in a variety of activities, including:
- arts and crafts
- sports and group games
- science activities
- on-the-land activities – clam digging, fishing, and other outings
- cooking and chores to teach responsibility
SPROUTS was first initiated in 1996 and has become an annual program in Iqaluit. It allows up to 50 children and youth to participate and learn traditional summer activities each year. QIA works with communities to run similar programs in the Qikiqtani communities.
QIA thanks Actua for providing the science programming portion of our SPROUTS day camp.
For information on how to apply, please contact the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
Pigiarutittiavait Program
Creating Inuktitut Language Books
QIA has worked with Inhabit Media for nearly a decade on our Pigiarutittiavait program which creates Inuktitut language children’s books. They have supported our vision and helped us turn our ideas into concrete outputs.
The books published under this program are sent to schools and daycares in the Qikiqtani Region. They are also available for free download on the Nunavut Bilingual Education Society website.
Pigiarutittiavait Program Books
- Uumajut – Learn About Arctic Wildlife, Simon Awa, Anna Ziegler and Stephanie McDonald
- Uumajut – Learn About Arctic Wildlife 2, Simon Awa, Seeglook Akkeeagok, Anna Ziegler, and Stephanie McDonald
- A Walk on the Tundra, Rebecca Hainnu and Anna Ziegler
- The Qalupalik, Elisha Kilabuk
- Under the Ice, Rachel A. Qitsualik
- Inuksiutiit/Inuit Tools, Inhabit Media
- Miqqullit Tariurmiutat/Marine Mammals, Inhabit Media
- Grandmother Ptarmigan, Qaunaq Mikkigak and Joanne Schwartz
- Ukaliq Puppies, Inhabit Media
- Sweetest Kulu, Celina Kalluk
- Uqariuqsautiit, Nadia Mike
- Fishing with Grandma, Susan Avingaq and Maren Vsetula
- Lessons for the Wolf, Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley
- Ukiuqtaqtumi Tingmiat, Inhabit Media, Inuktitut only
- Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing, Nadia Mike
- Action Words (Moving Around), Inhabit Media, Inuktitut only
- Eliaspee and Her Baby Seagull, Nancy Mike
- How we Hunt a Bowhead, Joanasie Karpik, Inuktitut only
- Putuguq & Kublu and the Qalupalik, Roselynn Akulukjuk & Danny Christopher
- My Emotions, Inhabit Media, Inuktitut only
- The Fox Wife, Beatrice Deer
Scholarships
Each year QIA awards 80 scholarships at $2,500/year. The QIA scholarship is awarded on a first come first served basis. QIA typically issues a call for applicants at the end of each summer, and depending on the number of returning applicants, a second call in January. All applications must be submitted online.
QIA John Amagoalik Scholarship
Each year QIA awards a $5,000 John Amagoalik scholarship. Criteria for the QIA and John Amagoalik scholarship:
- Qikiqtani Inuit enrolled with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc (NTI) under the Nunavut Agreement
- Have lived in the Qikiqtani Region for the last 12 months or more
- Enrolled in a post secondary education program
For more information on the QIA John Amagoalik Scholarship email scholarship@qia.ca or visit QIA Applications for Scholarships
NTI Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) is ensuring Jose’s ability to inspire Inuit continues by awarding two annual $5,000 scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary academic studies in the fields of education, Inuit language, or the advancement of Inuit rights.
For more information on the NTI Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship visit the Nunavut Tunngavik website.
QC Ludy Pudluk Scholarship
This scholarship program has been designed to assist students while they are pursuing full-time diploma or undergraduate degree-seeking study at a recognized, accredited educational institution in Canada. Preference will be given to eligible students pursuing studies in the areas of Political Studies, Fisheries Development and Environmental Studies.
For more information on the QC Ludy Pudluk Scholarship visit the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation website.
QC and Group of Companies Scholarship Program
Each year, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and our group of companies offer scholarships to outstanding Inuit students who are pursuing a full-time diploma or undergraduate degree at an accredited educational institution in Canada. Preference is given to eligible students pursuing studies in the areas of finance, accounting, administration, property management, construction, trades, retail management, business management, environmental services or project management.
For more information on the QC Ludy Pudluk Scholarship visit the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation website.
