Keeping the Children Home aims to strengthen Inuit families, promote health, and prevent family separation. This project began in response to Inuit children from Nunavut being apprehended or removed from their families in Winnipeg during childbirth and/or during medical travel. Inuit women and families from the Kivalliq Region have reported significant stress and fear associated with travel during the perinatal period. A key focus for Keeping the Children Home is existing child welfare and health systems policy change to ensure Inuit children are not apprehended or removed, nor separated from families during birth and the perinatal period. Keeping the Children Home continues to do research but has also grown into a social and cultural movement led by Inuit. Inuit-defined polices, programs and services are needed to strengthen and support Inuit children and families.​

• Creates opportunities for intergenerational knowledge building, exchange, and preservation between youth and Elders.
• Promotes Inuit culture and cultural approaches to caregiving, strengthening families, and bolstering child and family wellness.
• Examines socio-health practices, policies, and legislation that contribute to family separation.
• Explores Inuit-determined practices, policies and legislation that can support and increase family and community strengths and togetherness.
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Photo by Pamela Okatsiak

  

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