Iqaluit, Nunavut – June 5, 2026 The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) Board of Directors approved a $10 million investment through its Indigenous Housing & Community Infrastructure Investment Fund to support the construction of new childcare facilities led by Kakivak Association across the Qikiqtani region.
The investment will allow Kakivak Association to continue its successful daycare construction initiatives, which include facilities under various stages of development in Sanirajak, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet and Clyde River. The additional funds will support expansion into a fifth community, with Pangnirtung identified as the next proposed location, pending the availability of a suitable land parcel.
Together, QIA and Kakivak are working to increase access to quality childcare services while creating local employment, trades training, and economic development opportunities.
“These daycare builds represent a fundamental shift in the well-being of their communities,” says Kakivak Association Chair Adamee Itorcheak, “By allocating new funding we can ensure that Inuit children receive quality early learning opportunities, employ more of our community members and present further training for individuals looking to get into a trade.”
“Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is essential to strong and healthy communities,” said QIA President Olayuk Akesuk. “This investment reflects QIA’s commitment to supporting Inuit families, increasing opportunities for children, and building the community infrastructure needed to meet the needs of our growing population.”
With this latest investment, QIA has committed a total of $25 million towards daycare construction projects led by Kakivak Association. Kakivak is investing approximately 15$ million towards each Facility. These investments are further supported through funding provided by the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care program administered by Employment and Social Development Canada. These projects would not be possible without the leadership and funding from our partners.
The Kakivak model childcare facilities are anticipated to accommodate 44 daycare spaces (32 children aged 3-6, and 12 toddlers). Employment opportunities, trades training and governance support for daycare societies have also been provided with each of these builds.
QIA and Kakivak recognize the importance of collaboration in addressing childcare shortages across the region and creating opportunities that support Inuit children, families and communities for generations to come.
For more information contact:
Karen Flaherty
Director, Strategic Communications
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
(P) 867.975.8398 or toll-free 1.800.667.2742
kflaherty@qia.ca
William Hopkins
Manager, Communications, Marketing and Outreach
867.979.8966
whopkins@kakivak.ca