The Pirurvik Preschool program was sparked by an idea and a discussion over a cup of tea.

In 2012, after a difficult education meeting, Karen Nutarak Tununiq, the manager of the Nunavut Arctic College and Tessa Lochhead, a teacher trained in Montessori education, connected in hopes of addressing the frustrating lack of early-childhood education in their community.

From a desire to see positive change sprung an idea and dream- to provide an early-childhood education program in Pond Inlet that was grounded in “Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit” (IQ) traditional knowledge. They envisioned a preschool that would provide an opportunity for local children to learn about their traditional Inuit culture and values through a formal educational setting. Tessa and Karen decided to approach the Pond Inlet DEA to share their idea of starting a Montessori-based Inuit IQ preschool program and secure a classroom.

“We approached the DEA with regard to wanting a Montessori program in the community that was reflective of Qaujimajatuqangit principles and practices with regards to education. The DEA was supportive and interested in the idea but everybody wanted time to think about it. We went back several times and had several meetings with the DEA. What is Montessori? How does it apply here in Pond Inlet? What are some things that make it reflective of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles? How do they match? And how can we make it applicable to our children? That was a really interesting sharing process with the DEA, Karen and myself and the support and input from the parent committee. Before we even opened up the preschool we had a parent committee and we just talked about ideas about how this would work. Through that process with came up with the the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles that guide the preschool”

- Tessa Lochhead, Leading Co-Director of the Pirurvik Preschool

Quote: Pirurvik Preschool Video I Askut Media Ltd.
Photo: Kieran Oudshoorn CBC