National Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Framework

The development of an Inuit-centred Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) system and its governance is a significant step towards self-determination, reconciliation and cultural revitalization. Inuit have pursued political autonomy and self-determination through the negotiation of comprehensive land claim agreements that define Inuit political status in Canada today. For Inuit, self-determination with respect to ELCC means the right to design, develop and deliver early learning programs, drawing on Inuit Societal Values, using methods that are Inuit-specific, evidence-based and globally informed.

It is necessary for the federal government to apply an Inuit Nunangat fiscal policy in order to achieve this goal. The myriad ELCC programs and federal funding arrangements that exist across the four jurisdictions that comprise Inuit Nunangat create variance in ELCC program quality, access, and cost. Adopting an Inuit Nunangat fiscal policy would mean that single window federal funding would flow directly to regional and urban Inuit organizations, providing them with the resources and flexibility needed to meet their needs.

The federal government can be partners in advancing the following priorities for allocation of funding:

1. Develop Inuit-specific early childhood development (ECD) curriculum, program, materials and teaching tools that are trauma-informed and grounded in Inuit knowledge and Inuit approaches to childrearing, nurturing and learning.
2. Provide capital funds to build new and renovate existing buildings and playgrounds to meet Inuit community needs and health and safety standards in order to provide new spaces/services where needed, as determined by communities.
3. Ensure educators, childcare centre managers,
   Elders, program providers and staff working in early learning and childcare receive proper compensation, taking into account the cost of living in the North
4. Develop and provide quality ECE training programs for early childhood educators grounded in Inuit knowledge as well as ongoing professional development opportunities for ELCC staff and volunteers
5. Facilitate Inuit self-governance of ELCC licensing and regulations for Inuit organizations

Recommendations for Change

• Provide adequate, integrated, multi-year funding directly to Inuit organizations through transfer agreements to provide Inuit-defined, high quality ELCC programs in every community in Inuit Nunangat.
• Develop Inuit-specific early childhood development (ECD) curriculum, materials
  and teaching tools that are grounded in Inuit knowledge and Inuit approaches to childrearing, nurturing and learning.
• Provide capital funds to build new and renovate existing buildings and playgrounds where needed, as determined by communities.
• Ensure educators, childcare centre managers, Elders, program providers and staff working in early learning and childcare receive proper compensation, taking into account the cost of living in Inuit Nunangat.
• Develop and provide quality ECE training programs for early childhood educators grounded in Inuit knowledge as well as ongoing professional development opportunities for ELCC staff and volunteers.
• Work towards Inuit self-determination of ELCC licensing and regulations
• Recognize and support Inuit children and families who are living outside of Inuit Nunangat by funding the creation and operation of Inuit- centred ELCC programs and family resources centres in urban areas.