Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ Principles) reflects Inuit knowledge, values, and ways of living that have been passed down through generations. These principles guide relationships with one another, community, and the environment. Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families embraces the eight IQ principles which reflect the values and approaches we bring to our work.
Each principle shapes how the Centre works with children, youth, families and the community.
This value emphasizes working together for a common cause. We recognize there are many organizations and people dedicated to the well-being of Nunavut’s children and youth.
We are committed to listening to alternative perspectives. We also recognize the value of communication with the public, our key partners and stakeholders to build a sense of common purpose.
Tunnganarniq emphasizes the role being open, welcoming and inclusive plays in fostering positive relationships.
We are dedicated to taking the time for people, making ourselves available and creating an environment where Inuit feel comfortable.
This value is about serving and providing for family and community. It’s about leading through doing for other people.
It’s about serving others for the greater good. We are here to serve Nunavummiut in this urban setting as a whole.
Inuit highly value qanuqtuurniq, or being innovative and resourceful. We embrace qanuqtuurniq to ensure we consider all solutions to issues affecting individual young people. We are committed to practicing alternative problem-solving and lateral thinking.
Our systemic advocacy work also provides us with opportunities to make innovative recommendations that can improve the well-being of children, youth and families.
Pilimmaksarniq is about learning and mastering new skills through observation, mentoring, practice and effort. We are committed to looking for opportunities to encourage Inuit children, youth and families to acquire new skills.
One of our key areas of work, individual advocacy, includes coaching young people in how to advocate for themselves. We also provide opportunities to young people to act as youth advisors to our office.
Inuuqatigiitsiarniq guides us to respect and care for other people and our relationships so that we can all live together in harmony. We are committed to addressing issues in a way that respects all those we work with.
We show respect and care for people by encouraging them to express themselves, according to their age and maturity. We respect the role healthy families and communities play in raising children to become whole human beings.
Avatittinnik is about respect and care for the land, animals and the environment. Inuit enjoy a long-standing relationship with the land. Inuuqatigiit is also committed to environment-friendly practices.
We believe respecting the environment today, demonstrates respect for future generations.
This value means decision making through discussion and consensus. Inuit children, youth and families help guide our decision making.
We always begin our work with government departments through respectful discussion.
Aboriginal Head Start Six Components have helped to define the vision and practices at the Inuuqatigiit – Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families. All of the Inuuqatigiit programs are guided by these same six basic components to ensure quality programming.
To prepare Inuit children for school
To encourage healthy eating habits using a variety of nutritional foods, including country food.
To include parents in all aspects of the Head Start program.
The foundation of success for the Sivummut Head Start is the involvement of parents and guardians in the program. Parents and guardians are the child’s primary teachers and they have the most important influence on their child’s development. It is the parents’ right and responsibility to be involved in all aspects of the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the program.
There are many ways to contribute to the program such as assisting teachers in the program, helping in the kitchen or office, building maintenance, going on field trips, helping the teachers prepare materials, sewing, doing crafts, snow removal, helping at social events and acting as a Member of the Board of Directors.
To promote the retention of the Inuit culture and language.
A key part of the Sivummut Head Start Program is the cultural and language component. Activities, materials, special events, food, and family workshops reflect the Inuit culture.
Inuktitut is an official language of the program and used throughout the day. It is the policy of the Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families to employ Inuit staff whenever possible.
To promote and model healthy lifestyle choices for parents and children.
To provide advice, support and information to parents. To strengthen a parents support network and provide information.
The Centre’s team is happy to talk through our programs, our approach and how these principles shape the day to day.