Iqaluit, Nunavut – January 9, 2019 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is pleased to launch a new Inuktitut family literacy initiative as part of the Ipitiki program.

The family literacy initiative aims to encourage more Inuktitut speaking within homes, where both children and parents/guardians can enjoy fun activities while learning new Inuktitut words and phrases.  This new project is being rolled out with the help of the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Education, and includes resources developed with the help of Inhabit Media.

“I’m excited about this program because it pushes forward QIA’s commitment to early childhood learning and provides real tools for families to keep Inuktitut strong in their home,” says QIA President, P.J. Akeeagok.

This year, each kindergarten student in the Qikiqtani region will receive a family literacy package, which will include:

• Ipitiki backpack
• Activity booklet
• Daily activity cards
• Inuktitut syllabic cards
• CD of Inuktitut children’s songs
• Home vocabulary stickers
• Inuktitut books

QIA’s Ipitiki program focuses on projects that support Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) in the Qikiqtani region. Other Ipitiki projects to be rolled out this year include: governance training for daycare boards, a daycare manager’s conference, and an Elders in Daycares pilot project.

The Ipitiki program 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

1.800.667.2742