Launch of Inuit resource booklets for parents and caregivers of children (0-6 years)
Child, Youth, and Family Health
The NCCIH recognizes that rebuilding Indigenous health and well-being starts with children and extends to youth, adults, parents, grandparents, families, and communities. Just as our knowledge resources explore First Nations, Inuit and Métis women’s journeys into motherhood, including pregnancy, maternity care, birth, and breastfeeding, we also document the significant role fathers and grandparents play in the development of strong infant attachment and bonding, child rearing, and the transmission of culture and language.
Though challenges continue to disrupt family and child health, most significantly the removal of Indigenous children through child welfares services, the NCCIH supports initiatives that move towards improving child and family health outcomes, such as equitable access to health care, midwifery, and the full endorsement of Jordan’s Principle. In order to detail supportive health practices, we include topics like First Nations, Inuit and Métis traditions around parenting, children’s health rights, traditional foods and nutrition, physical activity, tobacco cessation, vision care, and oral health, to name a few, within our informational resources.
We seek to support and strengthen the health of Elders and the next generation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and to identify strategies for optimal health outcomes, promising culturally-based prevention initiatives, linkages to networks and resources, and ways to close the gaps in health knowledge and data. Our work within the area of child and family health is grounded in the recognition that there are unique First Nations, Inuit and Métis knowledges and worldviews.
New resource booklets for Inuit parents and caregivers of children up to 6 years of age
Inunnguiniq is planning a person’s life path for a good future. This teaching has been passed from generation to generation. Inuit culture and knowledge are passed on not only for one lifetime, but for generations to come. - Joe Karetak
Based on Inuit teachings outlined in inunnguiniq, or making capable human beings, a series of four booklets have been developed through a collaboration between the Aqqiumavvik Society and the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health. These resources for Inuit families and caregivers of children up to 6 years of age include: Family Connections; Fatherhood is Forever; Growing Up Healthy; and Parents as First Teachers.
Each of these booklets is grounded in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and the cultural teachings, expectations, and practices around healthy pregnancy, baby’s best start and child rearing. The resources provide guidelines and practical information to help parents in early childhood learning and healthy development, and ultimately to strengthen Inuit families and communities for generations to come.
The booklets are available for download in Inuktitut, English, and French on both the Aqqiumavvik Society and NCCIH websites. They are is also as available for hard copy order from the NCCIH, at no charge.
The resource booklets include:
- Family Connections which presents information for parents and caregivers on bonding, forming secure attachments with children, and connecting with extended family and community;
- Fatherhood is Forever which discusses the important parenting role of fathers, including learning about being a positive role model for children and some of the different approaches they can take to deal with different situations;
- Growing Up Healthy which focuses on the steps parents and caregivers can take to keep infants and children well, through nutrition, physical activity and caring for the body; and,
- Parents as First Teachers which places emphasis on early childhood development and learning through experience and play.
For more information, please contact:
ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᐊᖓᔪᖅᑳᙳᖅᓴᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᐅᖃᓕᒫᒐᓕᐊᖏᑦ ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑑᖓᔪᑦ