The Qikiqtani Inuit Association held the Qikiqtani Daycare Managers’ Conference from March 5 to March 7 in Iqaluit. This is the first time QIA has hosted an event which brings together daycare managers from across the Qikiqtani Region.

The conference brought together 45 participants from nine communities across Qikiqtani. Daycare managers and staff took part in discussions and workshops on resources available for daycares in the Qikiqtani Region.

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The Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre gave a presentation on the Inunnguiniq Parenting Program. This is a culturally relevant parenting support program that addresses parents’ needs and interests in our communities, which is based on the childrearing advice of the Elders Advisory Committee. The Nunavut Literacy Council joined us to demonstrate a free app called Uqalimaarluk that provides an interactive Inuktitut reading center for young learners. Lichen Consulting provided a brief overview of daycare governance and operations.

Participants also attended a session on Inuit history presented by Becky Kilabuk, QIA Youth Programs Coordinator. The week ended with a screening of Taqqut Production’s new kids show, Ananna’s Tent.

QIA also unveiled new resources developed specifically for daycares at the conference, such as puppets, puzzles, books, and a pre-phonics program.

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In recent consultations, Qikiqtani Inuit said they wanted early learning and childcare to be a major priority for QIA. Community members told us they want more early learning programs and resources developed for families and daycares, resources that are culturally infused and available in Inuktitut. The daycare conference is one approach towards achieving this – as it provides support for daycare managers in running their centers. We hope this kind of gathering can be repeated in the future.

The Daycare Manager’s Conference is a part of QIA’s 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.