Naapinneq/Gathering – Inuit from Greenland and Nunavut
Earlier this October, Nuuk welcomed partners from Iqaluit for an inspiring exchange of knowledge on parenting and child rearing as part of the project “Naapinneq/Gathering – Inuit from Kalaallit Nunaat and Nunavut”.
The initiative focuses on revitalizing culturally grounded approaches to maternal and child health and well-being in circumpolar regions, with a special emphasis on the first thousand days of Inuit children.
Central to this collaboration are two parenting programs: MANU in Kalaallit Nunaat and Inunnguiniq in Nunavut. During the visit, Elder Annie Petaulassie and Lily Maniapik, facilitator on the Inunnguiniq Parenting/Childrearing Program, shared their deep knowledge of Inuit childrearing practices. Their presentations during the MANU workshop day on October 2, which gathered professionals facilitating MANU all over Kalaallit Nunaat, sparked rich dialogue on cultural sensitivity and the relational nature of parenting.
The exchange continued with Naapinneq project partners presenting the project and experiences from the project during the 12th NunaMed Greenland Health Conference from the 3rd to 5th October.
On the final day, October 6, project partners reflected on shared experiences, dreams for the future, and concrete steps to strengthen collaboration in a sharing circle. Over Kalaalimerngit (Greenlandic country food), discussions centered on how Kalaallit Nunaat can move toward developing its own Inuit-based parenting program, inspired by the wisdom of Elders and the success of Inunnguiniq.
This gathering was more than a meeting – it was a moment of connection, learning, and commitment to sustaining Inuit values in health and well-being programs. By bringing partners from Nunavut to Greenland, Naapinneq is building bridges across borders and generations, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge remains at the heart of Arctic health initiatives.
The project is a collaboration between Ilisimatusarfik – University of Greenland, Centre for Public Health in Greenland, Qaujigiartiit Health Research Center, The Greenlandic Healthcare System and Paarisa under the Agency of Social Affairs.
This activity is part of the Thematic Network of Health and Well-being in the Arctic.
The project is funded by UArctic and IASC.
