WATCH: Building the Heart of a Child

Welcome to

Pirurvik Preschool

Growing Together: Children, Educators, Communities, and the Dreams of Nunavut

Discover how Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (traditional knowledge) forms the foundation of Pirurvik Preschool, where children’s self-directed learning is supported by Montessori methods and grounded in cultural values, materials and Inuktitut language. Learn about the origins, philosophy, and vital need for this unique educational approach in Nunavut.

Transforming Early Childhood Education

Pirurvik Preschool delivers a transformative early childhood education approach rooted in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles and enriched by Montessori methodologies. We believe children thrive when education honors their cultural identity, respects their natural curiosity, and supports their unique developmental journey.

IQ & Montessori:

A Complementary Approach

At Pirurvik, which means "a place to grow" in Inuktitut, we embrace the IQ principle of Pilimmaksarniq—allowing each child to develop skills through observation, practice, honouring their self-directed path of learning, and discovery.

Shared Wisdom

Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles and Montessori methods intrinsically complement each other through shared values of observation, hands-on discovery, trust in children's capabilities and their unique pace of development. Both approaches view learning as preparation for meaningful community participation while supporting the development of the whole child—intellectually, physically and emotionally.

Pirurvik Preschool

Education Reimagined

An educational approach that honors identity, builds confidence, and nurtures natural development:

  • Empowers children to choose topics that genuinely interest them, and learn at their own pace

  • Provides hands-on learning materials for self-directed learning and development

  • Fosters intrinsic motivation and concentration through engaging, culturally-relevant activities

  • Builds confidence and independence at a critical age of development

  • Positions teachers as supportive facilitators

  • Creates a classroom of engaged and happy learners

  • Prepares children for lifelong educational success and well-being

  • Aligns with the educational and child-rearing values of Inuit communities

Recognition

Pirurvik Preschool's commitment to culturally-grounded early childhood education has earned notable national recognition. The $1 million Arctic Inspiration Prize (2018) provided valuable resources to share our approach with more communities across Nunavut.

The Governor General's Innovation Award (2022) further acknowledged the importance of Indigenous-led, culturally-relevant early childhood education that nurtures children's identities while honouring their innate wisdom and developmental journey

TESTIMONIALS

“

I watched a little girl, about age four, take a qulliq, an ulu, and a pretend fish out of the classroom tent. She was pretending to clean the fish, something similar to what her family might do on the land. She was learning traditional skills – it was magical to see.

— Neevee Wilkins, Joamie Elementary School

“

Parents and teachers have all commented to say, 'How come you have so many little kids in one room and how are they all so quiet?' We just say, 'they are really engaged with hands on, minds on resources. When you get kids that are fully engaged with their hands they are engrossed in the materials and so much can happen. So much learning and confidence grows as a result of that.

– Tessa Lochhead, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Pirurvik Preschool

“

What I really noticed the most is he was already starting to write his own name in Inuktitut and English at the age of 3 and he was already recognizing some words. His reading skills grew quite a bit within that very short period of time.

— Eleanore Arreak Pitseolak, Parent of Pirurvik Preschooler Alumni, Ulaajuk Elementary School Teacher

“

The preschool demonstrates the Inuit Way of learning is teaching the children quietly. Showing them the materials, having them watch you do the materials first and then they'll learn by watching. I learned from my mother. She would show me and then I would start learning. When she told me to learn something like sewing, I would watch and then try to learn how to sew. I was 7 or 8 years old.

— Samantha Koonoo, ECE Alumni, Nunavut Arctic College

“

Kids in kindergarten and grade one are at a critical stage where they learn from hands-on experiences. They need to touch things and they need to feel things in order for their brains to remember.

– Blandina Airut- Kopak, Grade 1 Teacher, Rankin Inlet Elementary School

“

Because of this project (Pirurvik Preschool), there is now a community of practice, connecting like-minded people and organizations. The demand from other communities reinforces the need for this type of programming in Nunavut.

– Adriana Kusugak, Executive Director, Ilitaqsiniq

“

I’ve learned so much about patience, that we need to have patience with the children, which also helps me be a better parent at home.

— Dina Arreak, ECE Alumni, Nunavut Arctic College, Manager of Pirurvik Preschool’s Inunnguivik Program

Growing Early Childhood Education Across Nunavut

Pirurvik Preschool's approach to culturally-centered learning has created meaningful change across Nunavut. Our comprehensive training modules and collaborative partnerships have allowed us to share the blend of IQ principles and Montessori methodology with educators and communities throughout the territory. Through this knowledge-sharing network, local educators are now empowered to create learning environments that honor Inuit wisdom and language while supporting each child in their natural development.

The enthusiastic reception of our approach—which has even expanded into formal kindergarten settings—speaks to the profound need for education that celebrates children's cultural identities during these formative years. As more communities adopt these methods, we continue our journey toward ensuring culturally-relevant, decolonized early childhood education becomes accessible to children in every corner of Nunavut.

"We have been wearing someone else's clothing for too long. That's why we are uncomfortable. It's time that we be comfortable in our own skin. Using our way of life that is suitable for this community, for Nunavut, for the Arctic. Regain our way of life. Be who you are."

— Jedidiah Merkosak, Co-Director of Pirurvik Preschool

Connect With Us

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