Programs Overview

We believe that children deserve a nurturing and caring child centred environment that supports the Inuit culture and language. We believe that parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. Our program supports the whole family as children are celebrated for the unique and special people that they are.
We work in partnership with families to ensure that children receive the best care and early education possible.

Sivummut Head Start Program

Sivummut Head Start is a licensed culturally-based bilingual (Inuktitut/English) early intervention, half-day preschool program that serves Inuit children between 18 months – 6 years of age. The main goal of this program is to provide a cultural learning environment for Inuit preschool children and their parents, and to give children an educational “head start”.  Learn More

Inuit Family Literacy Program

The Inuit Family Literacy Project targets Inuit children aged 0-13 years and their families.  The goal is to blend academic literacy with cultural literacy to promote literacy skills in Inuktitut and English in Inuit families. We offer activities to develop and support emerging literacy skills in young children; promote cultural compentency, support continued literacy in school age children; and foster parental involvement in their child’s literacy development.  Learn more

Tukimut Afterschool Program // YSC

Tukimut Afterschool Program provides a rich variety of afterschool programming to Inuit youth 6-13 living in the Ottawa area. Programming includes cultural activities, physical activties, healthy living and homework support. Adjunct activities to Tukimut include art classes, physical fitness programs, Hip Hop classes and camps.  Learn more…

Bridging the Gap

The goal of this program is to increase success of Inuit children/youth attending Ottawa area schools. Program components include home – school liaison, parent support and education, referrals, cultural awareness and education for teachers/school staff and child support and workshops. Learn more…

Akwe:go Urban Aboriginal Children’s Program

The Akwe:go program supports urban aboriginal children aged 7-12, addressing the specific needs of the children. This program provides a direct, individualized service approach to address the needs of children requiring additional supports. Needs are identified through an intake process, and involve the parent/caregiver at the onset of receiving services. Group activities and individual supports are offered. Learn more…

Tumiralaat Child Care Centre

Tumiralaat Child Care Centre is a full-day bilingual (Inuktitut/English) program.  This full-day, year-round program that serves Inuit children between 18 months – 6 years of age.  The program is play based and integrates cultural components throughout activities. Learn more…

Uqausivut Language Program

This project focuses on strategies aimed at the preservation of the Inuktitut language in an urban setting. Project activities include Inuktitut classes for children, youth and adults, an Inuktitut resource library and Inuktitut learning circles for children enrolled in Sivummut Head Start and Tumiralaat Child Care.  Learn more…

OCDSB Kindergarten

In partnership with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, the City of Ottawa, and the Public Health Agency of Canada, we offer a full day Kindergarten classroom in our facility. Inuit children who are four and five attend a blended JK/SK program that integrates cultural and language into Ontario’s Ministry of Education’s Kindergarten curriculum. Learn more…