Over the last 10 years, Pirurvik Preschool has been on a journey.

What began as an idea, ignited from a desire to address the lack of early-childhood-education in Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet,NU), has grown into a wider community-led, child-centred initiative to decolonize early-childhood education, nourish our cultural roots and share what we are learning with other communities.

In the coming months, we’d like to share more of our story- the challenges and successes we’ve encountered, how we are growing and what’s next on our path. We are encouraged by what we are witnessing and excited for the future. Our desire is that it continues to generate positive ripples.

We’d also like to thank and highlight those that have supported our vision and continue to help foster the heart of Pirurvik Preschool as “a place to grow.” Thank you to Arctic Inspiration Prize, Qikiqtani Inuit Assoc., Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation and Ilitaqsiniq - Nunavut Literacy Council who have been supportive since day one by helping us to share the preschool project with other communities. We will always be grateful to you for sparking this idea and making this possible.

To all of the Pirurvik Preschool - Parents and early-childhood educators (Leah Kippomee, Julie Pewatualuk, Selena Enoogoo of the Pirurvik Preschool program- we send our deepest gratitude. You are foundational to the success of the Pirurvik Preschool program. Thank you for your continued support, contribution and passion for this project.

Qujannamiik to you all.

Photo credit: Chickweed Arts II Jaime Griffiths 2020