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Chronology of ELCC
1984-85During the 1985 AGM in Igloolik, a conference on Inuit Women and Economic Development was held. Workshops during the conference included discussions about daycare in the communities: “The daycare workshops focused on the various regional and community daycare arrangements already in place and also addressed regulations, legislation and funding sources by region. In addition, ideas on how to start workplace and home daycare centres were discussed.”(pg. 11) During the regional discussions, concerns were raised about the lack of daycare centres: “The lack of daycare centres is seen as a problem. Many single mothers have to have their mother or relatives babysit for them and are not able to provide enough financial assistance to them at a time when the cost of living is very high. (Keewatin, pg. 13) Resolutions:Citing the fact that there is a lack of public awareness on traditional Inuit customs relating to parenting and midwifery, the women attending the AGM voted to direct the IWA to approach the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) and Taqramiut Nipingat Incoporated (TNI) to produce films on these subjects. (pg.19) 1985 – 86Resolutions:A resolution was passed urging daycares to subsidize young single mothers so that they may pursue their education. (pg. 13) 1896-87During the regional discussions, the Western Arctic stated that “There should be parenting skills workshops for young parents.” (pg. 13) Baffin also raised concerns about the lack of daycare: “Cape Dorset people feel that there should be a daycare centre in their community.” (pg. 15) Labrador stated: “Daycare for working Inuit mothers is inadequate, expensive or, in some places, non-existent. A letter from Ruth Flowers, Makkovik women’s group, was read to the delegates. The letter outlined the sever difficulties encountered when trying to establish a daycare centre. Makkovik gained experience by conducting a pilot project under the auspices of the Department of Social Services. Difficulties included very low wages for daycare workers, a lack of job security due to the grant system, and expensive rates for Makkovik parents.” (pg. 16) Resolutions: 87-07 calls for parenting workshops for young single parents. (pg. 17) 1987-88The President’s report refers to Pauktuutit’s presentation to the Standing Committee on Bill C-144, the Canada Child Care Act, demanding that major amendmentssbe made to ensure that the Bill meets the special child care needs of Inuit living in the North. The delegates from the Western Arctic requested Pauktuutit’s support in seeking a daycare centre for Tuktoyaktuk. (pg. 13) 1988-89Report on Issues:
Action: “A project funded by Health and Welfare Canada’s Child Care Initiatives Fund allowed Pauktuutit to publish a booklet on how to start a day care centre and conduct a workshop on this topic at the 1989 AGM> The Guide to Starting a Day Care Centre in Inuit Communities in Labrador, Northern Quebec and the Northwest Territories (printed in Inuktitut and English) was distributed to women’s groups and community organizations throughout the north. A proposal has also been developed to hold a series of regional workshops to assist communities in developing funding proposals and completing applications forms for day care centres. (pg.9) During the AGM, “a number of resource people provided delegates with information on day care programs and policies and Rachel Sugslak, a worker in the Pond Inlet Day Care, outlined their experience in establishing and operating a successful day care centre. After the presentations, delegates separated into regional groups to discuss the status of day care in their communities and identify what information and resources are needed to meet their child care needs. The general consensus was that there are definitely not enough day care centres in the north to meet the current need and the greatest obstacle to establishing day care centres is related to funding – communities require concrete information on what funding is available and how to access it.” (pg. 13-14) Resolutions:89-04 resolves that Pauktuutit seek funding to host a workshop for the purpose of developing funding proposals for day care centres and completing necessary documentation required by the federal, provincials and territorial governments. (pg.15) 1989-90Report on Issues (Day Care): With more and more mothers working outside the home the need for alternative child care in the North has grown respondingly. The scarcity of child care centres in the North has been a special concern to Pauktuutit. During a day care workshop held at last year’s AGM, delegates agreed that more information was needed on the operation and funding of day care centres in the North. At the request of its membership, Pauktuutit produced in 1989 the booklet How to Start Day Care in Inuit Communities, a guide to day care operation and program funding. In addition, funding provided by Health and Welfare Canada’s Child Care Initiatives Fund will enable Pauktuutit to hold a series of day care workshops in four communities in 1990, to which every community can send a representative. The workshops will he held in Nain, Labrador (August), Inuvik, NWT (September), Iqaluit, NWT (November), and Kuujjuaq, Northern Quebec (January). (pg. 9) Kitimeot delegates reported the need for funding for a day care facility. (pg. 15) The delegates from the Western Arctic agreed that more day care centres are needed in the region (pg. 15) 1990-91Report on Issues (Day Care): Through funding provided by Health and Welfare Canada’s CCIF, Pauktuutit held four regional workshops on child care in 1990-91. The workshops brought together women from many communities and officials from the provincial and territorial governments to discuss ways of meeting Inuit child care needs, and assist interested groups in applying for funds to start and operate child care programs in their communities. The workshops were held between August 1990 and Januaary 1991. Participants in the workshops were unanimous in their belief that child care programs should reflect Inuit culture and values, and that professional child care training should be provided in the North, preferably in the communities where it will be used. A special issue of Pauktuutit’s newsletter, Suvaguuq, presented detailed reports on each of the workshops, as well as analysis of current child care policies, suggestions on how to lobby for local child car services and ways of incorporating Inuit culture into programs for young children. Pauktuutit is continuing to provide assistance to groups seeking to establish child care services in their communities, and is closely monitoring the federal governments’ plans on child care, providing intervention as appropriate. (pg. 10) Regional Reports: Western Arctic delegates discussed the need for day care in smaller communities to allow women the opportunity to work and seek training. Cambridge Bay women’s group plans to hold workshops on parenting and they stated that the building where the day care is inadequate. The delegates felt that an early childhood education program was also needed. The Pelly Bay women’s group would like to begin a day care program, but needs help to better establish the group and learn how to raise funds. (pg. 20-21) Resolutions:91-06 reaffirms the organization’s commitment to the provision of day care in Inuit communities, and urges the federal, provincial and territorial governments to provide adequate resources to meet the child care needs of all Inuit communities. 1991-02Regional Reports: (Nunavik)It was remarked that young working parents may not be receiving enough support in raising their children and that youngsters could be adversely affected. (Kitikmeot) Support was expressed for day care to help working mothers. Resolution:92-03 directs Pauktuutit to urge all those involved in economic development……including day care …(pg. 26) 1992-03Report on Issues (Child Health Working Group): Pauktuutit recently received funds from Health and Welfare Canada to coordinate a national joint working group to determine Inuit priorities for community –based programs aimed at improving the health of children. The first working group took place in Ottawa, May 12 and 13, 1993, and established a broad set of goals that including improving the physical, mental, spiritual, social and emotional well-being of Inuit children, improving communications skills within families, and promoting healthy families, communities, lifestyles and the environment. The working group discussed a variety of issues that affect child health: nutrition, prenatal care, parenting skills, family violence, housing issues and many others. Pauktuutit’s Health Coordinator Roda Grey noted that the success of any such program will ultimately depend on the involvement of families and communities. (pg. 8) Economic Development: Pauktuutit in partnership with Kakivak Association undertook a joint project to assist the Arctic Bay women’s group in developing their sewing centre into a business, this included setting up a day care space. Regional Reports: Nunavik reported that they require assistance in solving some day care problems. (pg. 19) The Western Arctic states that a lack of day care centres in the region persists. (pg.20) 1993-04Report on Issues: (Health) Pauktuutit continues to work on the Heatlhy Inuit Babies Project under the Brighter Futures Initiative. Pauktuutit was asked by Health Canada to coordinate a working group with the objective of identifying the major community issues and strategies for improving the health of Inuit babies. A key element of the working group’s task was to develop a final guideline document for addressing issues in Inuit communities. The aim was to prepare a document that reflected the communities’ reality and presented approaches that are acceptable to the communities, including recommendations for community planning and program development. The final document “Community Programs for health Inuit Babies: Guidelines” helps people look around their community and plan programs to meet their goals for improving the health and well-being of Inuit babies. Resolutions:94-01 resolves that Pauktuutit place a priority upon holding regional and community-based workshops in parenting skills within the next year. 1994-95Report on Issues: (Child Care Initiative): In January 1995, the federal department of Human Resources Development Canada announced the establishment of First Naitons/Inuit Child Care Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to provide 6000 child care spaces on-reserve and in Inuit communities. Funding provides $72 million over a three-tier development periods, with $36 million available annually thereafter. Pauktuutit is involved in the design of the new program through its participation in a joint First Nations/Inuit/Federal Government Working Group. Pauktuutit’s role includes coordinating the work of the four Inuit Working Group members and undertaking the necessary background work to ensure the new program meets the child care needs of Inuit children, parents and communities. In the near future the working group will be developing options for a program and funding framework that will form the basis or a report to be submitted to the federal Cabinet for approval. (pg. 18) The AGM and the first Inuit Parent Workshop held immediately following the AGM were filmed by the IBS. Regional Reports: Inuvialuit reports that more child care facilities should be established to encourage young parents to continue their education. (pg. 34) Resolutions:95-12 Pauktuutit will inform the federal government on a wide variety of issues of concern to Inuit women in regard to the new Inuit child care initiative including: the need for new buildings; permanent funding arrangements; local control of centres; and the inclusion of Inuit culture and language in centre programming. 1995-96Report on Issues (Child Care Initiative): A resolution regarding child care was passed at the Pauktuutit 1995 AGM. After much advocacy on the part of Inuit and Aboriginal women the federal government has created an Inuit and Aboriginal Child Care Initiative. This program provides $72 million and is aimed at creating child care spaces in Inuit and Aboriginal communities. Eeta Kanayuk has been hired as the Child Care Project Coordinator at Pauktuutit. Eeta represents Pauktuutit on the Inuit Child Care Working Group. This group has members from all the regions and is supported by two consultants with extensive knowledge of the issues. Pauktuutit is dispersing the funds to the regions, and is assisting regions to develop their own child care strategies. Funds are available to create new spaces and for training of workers and for providing additional assistance for communities that already have child care facilities. Pauktuutit is not directing the regions as to how the funds should be spent. While non-Inuit may be employed in child care facilities in the communities, Inuit will be in control of decision-making. Pauktuutit has a good working relationship with the federal government on childcare issues. It is disappointing that GNWT has no money for child care. 1996-97President’s Report: “ I am also proud of Pauktuutit’s role in ensuring Inuit women and their families have access to adequate and affordable child care through its participation in the federal First Nations/Inuit Child Care Initiative. This has long been identified as a priority for Inuit women. Not only will this be an important resource for giving our children a head start but it will also greatly increase women’s ability to more fully participate in the economic development of their communities. (pg. 4) Pauktuutit continues its work on the Child Care Initiative. (pg. 11) Regional Reports: The Western Arctic voiced their concern for the lack of parenting skills of young parents: “The lack of parenting skills for young parents was mentioned as was concern over the loss of Inuit culture and traditions. (pg. 17) Nunavik “identified two primary issues for their region: teenage pregnancies and help in raising the self-esteem of young mothers. Delegates stated that there was an urgent need for training in parenting skills for younger people as well as for elders looking after their grandchildren.” (pg. 18) A delegate from Baffin “suggested that elders should also hold positions within child care centres as full-time employees since they often provide baby-sitting services in their homes. “One of the primary issues in the Kitikmeot region was the need to increase the resources available for single mothers and for child care subsides. It was indicated that Pelly Bay required a child care centre and that Coppermine needed both a child care centre and a shelter for abused women. 1997-98President’s Report: On the positive side, I am proud to report the success of Pauktuutit’s involvement in an important child care initiative. An agreement with the federal government through HRDC will provide Inuit communities with affordable and culturally appropriate child care support. In October 1997, a child care component was included as part of a FAS/FAE workshop organized by Pauktuutit. In January of this year a very successful child care conference was held in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik. Report on Issues: (Child Care Initiative): Pauktuutit has continued to take a leading role in developing national strategies in support of Inuit child care programs. A national working group was set up in February 1997 to coordinate the national conference on tradition childrearing practices in Kuujjuaq in January 1998. The high level of organization and motivation by this working group ensured the conference’s success. Two representatives from the 53 Arctic communities attended. Traditional stories and songs were recorded in the regional dialects along with details about traditional child care practices. A number of products were anticipated from this conference including a CD of stories and song in Inuktitut accompanied by a printed insert with English and regional translations. A 100-page book with pictures and information on traditional practices will be produced and a 60 minutes video shot during the conference will be prepared to television and for educational purposes. The video will used the language of the speakers and will have subtitled translations. Finally, a catalog will be prepared that will provide information on where to get traditional stories, songs, toys, and clothing appropriate to Inuit child care. At Pauktuutit’s FAS/FAE workshop, a child care component was incorporated that served to provide workers with strategies on how to identify children with FAS/FAE, and to provide the tools to help people to work effectively with these children. A key element to Pauktuutit’s child care efforts is the continued development of Inuit child care services for Nunavut. The regional planning process for this program involved representation from each community. In the past year there was a meeting in Igloolik for the Qiqitaaluk region, in Arviat for the Kivalliq, and a teleconference for the Kitikmeot region. Highlights of our past year’s efforts include funding for child care centres in Cape Dorset and Clyde River, renovations of child care centres in Arctic Bay, Coral Harbour, Whale Cove, Baker Lake and Kuglugtuk, and a new building in Pelly Bay. A salary supplement is provided to Cambridge Bay. Negotiations are currently underway for the child care centres in Resolute Bay, Sanikiluaq, Pond Inlet, Hall Beach and Chesterfield Inlet. The expertise developed in this field has motivated Pauktuutit to seek a national mandate for child care issues. Funding has yet to be finalized for a national Inuit working group on child care. This would ensure Pauktuutit’s national leadership in coordinating the discussions and development of child care programs for all Inuit. (pg. 8-11) Regional Reports: (Labrador) A resolution calling for language and parenting workshops was requested. (pg 24) Resolutions:98-01 addresses the consequences of family break-up, calling for supports such as peer support circles and parenting classes to be made available in the communities to assist single parents, and community organizations. (pg. 27) 98-04 addresses the issue of teenage mothers and teenage parents, resolving that: resource materials be developed for and be made widely and freely available to young mothers on issues such as nutrition, pre and post natal care, fetal development, and healthy lifestyles and habits; youth and youth/elders workshops be organized to discuss these issues as well as traditional Inuit parenting, traditional skills, language and culture; young fathers be supported and encouraged to take on an equal responsibility for their children; the educational system support young mother to stay in school and complete their education to at least the high school level, and further resolves that gaps in appropriate and relevant information on these issues be identified and materials be developed to meet existing and emerging needs. (pg. 28)
1998-99Report on Issues: (Child Care Initiative): Pauktuutit staff continued to work towards establishing child care centres in each Inuit community. The success to date has been significant with the vast majority of communities either having established child care centres or being in the process of developing one. The national FNICCI was launched by the federal government three years ago. An Inuit Working Group provided input into the development of guidelines for the Inuit component of the FNICCI. Pauktuutit staff have focused upon the development of a variety of resources to provide support and information to Inuit day care centres. As well, a catalogue is being prepared to promote Inuit women who produce traditional items for children. In order to ensure Inuit culture is preserved and promoted, resources are being developed on traditional Inuit child rearing practices. (pg. 11) A child care workshop was facilitated by Carol Rowan, a consultant overseeing Pauktuutit’s child care project. She informed the meeting that an Inuit Working Group had provided input into the development of guidelines for the Inuit component of the FNICCI. Since then, a variety or resources have been produced to provide support and information to Inuit and child care centres that are now becoming available in every Inuit community. They are also developing a catalogue on Inuit women who produce traditional items for children as well as other resources on traditional Inuit child rearing. Delegates broke into discussion groups to discuss regional and community concerns related to child care. Regional Reports: The need for parenting skills workshops in Cambridge Bay and Taloyoak was expressed. (pg. 18) Resolutions:99-05 requests that the federal government recognize the expertise resident in the Inuit Child Care Working Group and acknowledge the Working Group as a n advisory body responsible for guiding and advising on all aspects related to policy and program development for Inuit children’s services in Canada. (pg. 22-23) 2000-01Regional Reports: Inuvialuit expressed concerns that Elders did not have the parenting skills needed to raise children in these changing times and this was becoming problematic. The Brighter Futures program was being used to support a number of programs to help families and children. (pg. 30) Labrador reported on the child care services that were providing important programming to communities. Kitikmeot reported that day care centres had been established in most communities and were providing good programs. Communities that didn’t have day care centres were trying to get funding. Kivalliq echoed this development – daycares were established and had helped a number of women explore different opportunities available to them. 2001-02Regional Reports: Qikiqtani, Kivalliq and Labradorreported that day care centres are operating well. (pg. 43-44) 2002-03Reports on Issues: (Early Childhood Development Program): Over the past year, Pauktuutit has worked with ITK to develop a joint workplan addressing certain elements of the federal governments’ Early Childhood Development Strategy. A priority of the workplan is to build linkages with the Inuit regions including urban Inuit in regard to their early childhood development needs. Funding will also be used to increase the capacity of Pauktuutit to provide ongoing input and advice to the federal government concerning Inuit early childhood development priorities and needs. Resolutions:Resolved that Pauktuutit provide letters of support for the Inuapik group to encourage the establishment of an Inuit Family Resource Centre in Yellowknife. |
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