Piruqatigiit Resource Centre (Piruqatigiit) is a community based non-profit organization in Iqaluit, Nunavut, with comprehensive professional knowledge of and lived experience with FASD. They provide education, resources, programming and support for children, youth and adults with FASD and their loved ones. Piruqatigiit also provides FASD training for organizations to better support accessibility, equity and inclusion for people with suspected and diagnosed FASD.
Piruqatigiit means ‘grow together’ or ‘growing together’ in Inuktitut. The Centre is committed to supporting families, organizations and communities in Nunavut so that they can grow in their ability to provide FASD informed services and support across the Territory. Using a strengths-based approach, Piruqatigiit continually strives to ensure that appropriate supports and services are available to individuals with FASD and their loved ones throughout their lives. In order to achieve this, Piruqatigiit recognizes the need to collaborate with Territorial service providers and systems to ensure the needs and rights of Nunavummiut are responded to. This work is multi-disciplinary and requires the commitment of public and private stakeholders. The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Principle of Piliriqatigiinniq/Ikajuqtigiinniq: Working together for a common cause guides this important work and relationships.
Piruqatigiit bases its service models from the word ‘Tamatta’, which means: we are we; all of us together. They believe that together, we can improve awareness about FASD, and create opportunities to improve the lives of Nunavummiut with FASD and their loved ones. It is important for Piruqatigiit Resource Centre that Inuit knowledge and language is a significant consideration when creating and delivering programs and services. Piruqatigiit Resource Centre is guided by an Inuit Advisory Circle who stress the importance of following the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Principles Tunnganarniq Fostering good spirit by being open, welcoming and inclusive and Inuuqatigiitsiarniq Respecting others, relationships and caring for people.
Programming
The following programs are currently offered in Iqaluit:
For Parents/Caregivers/Guardians:
- Qaumajuut Caregiver Program- FASD education, parenting skills and personalized accommodation planning
- Katimajuut Peer Support Program- drop-in style informal support group led by caregivers
- Ilagiit Katujijut/Family Working Together- family/caregiver support education sessions
- Family drop-in programs and land based family programs
- Support for families in remote communities via telephone and video call
For Children and Youth
- Ulluriaralaat/Little Stars and Ulluriat/Stars Programs – for children and youth with suspected and confirmed FASD. (Skills based programming guided by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit)
- Ilagiit/Siblings Club- for siblings and cousins of children/youth with FASD (Anchored in strengths-based approaches to processing emotions, self-regulation and understanding their loved’s disability guided by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit)
FASD Education and Training
- Education and training services are suitable for:
- Coaches & program providers
- Educators & school teams
- Organizations & departments
- Employers
- Justice professional
- Healthcare providers
Thank you Piruqatigiit for all of the important work you do- we love watching you grow!
Funding for the research and development of Piruqatigiit Resource Centre’s information booklets and programming was made possible by the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Culture & Heritage Inuit Societal Values Project funding and The Department of Health’s Quality of Life Secretariat through the implementation of Inuusivut Anninaqtuq.