The Naapinneq project is a trans-Arctic collaboration rooted in Indigenous and scientific knowledge. It demonstrates how collaboration rooted in Indigenous knowledge can transform health programs and policies. By bridging communities, the project contributes to resilience and well-being in the Arctic, ensuring that Inuit values remain central to health initiatives.
Naapinneq (meaning gathering) builds on the 2024 exchange where professionals from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) visited Iqaluit in Nunavut, Canada, to learn about Inuit-led parenting and child-rearing practices. In October 2025, the project continued by welcoming an Elder and colleagues from Nunavut to Nuuk, creating space for dialogue and shared learning.
The focus was on the first thousand days of a child’s life – a critical period for health and development – in relation to learning from parenting and child-rearing programs in the Arctic. Central to the exchange were MANU (Meeraq Angajoqqaat Nuannaarneq, meaning Child’s and parents’ happiness) in Kalaallit Nunaat and Inunnguiniq (an original Inuktitut concept meaning 'making a human being’), developed by the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Center in Nunavut. While these programs may appear similar from the outside, they differ significantly: Inunnguiniq is rooted in Inuit knowledge and led by Inuit, whereas MANU, though widely implemented, is not culturally grounded and is adapted from Danish parenting programs.
The gathering inspired more Kalaallit professionals to reconnect with Inuit knowledge and root their work in local values. Furthermore, the gathering has turned the spark, that was ignited in the August 2024 workshop in Iqaluit, into a strong light with a bigger and stronger group of Kalaallit professionals wanting to work towards a parenting and child rearing program that builds on Kalaallit Inuit values and knowledges.
Highlights of the week
A workshop aimed at discussing the future of MANU (October 2), Elder Annie Petaulassie and facilitator Lily Maniapik introduced Inunnguiniq principles to MANU facilitators from across Kalaallit Nunaat. The presentation sparked dialogue on cultural safety, relational parenting and values in child-rearing.
Oral presentation at the 12th NunaMed Conference (October 3–5), sharing project experiences and discussing how Indigenous knowledge can inform health promotion and services.
A sharing circle on the final day, where partners reflected on future steps, including developing a Kalaallit Inuit-based parenting and child-rearing program inspired by Elders’ wisdom and Inunnguiniq’s success.
Key Outcomes
Strengthened relationships between Inuit knowledge holders, health professionals, and researchers in Kalaallit Nunaat and Nunavut.
Increased awareness of culturally safe parenting practices and their role in maternal and child health.
Commitment to co-developing Inuit-led parenting and child-rearing initiatives in Kalaallit Nunaat.
A research paper is currently in review and data collected during the MANU workshop on the first day are under analysis. Finally, for the continuation of the project future gatherings and briefs on the discussions are being planned.
Highlights
- Revitalizing Indigenous Knowledge – The exchange showcased how Inuit parenting teachings, embedded in programs like Inunnguiniq, can inform culturally safe health interventions in Kalaallit Nunaat.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Naapinneq united Elders, health professionals, policy makers, and researchers, to work towards creating a model for integrating Indigenous and scientific knowledge in maternal and child health.
- Policy and Practice Impact – Discussions at throughout the activity days, especially the sharing circle, initiated the groundwork for developing a Kalaallit Inuit-based parenting and child-rearing program, strengthening culturally informed health promoting programs.
Date and Location
October 1-6, 2025| Nuuk, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland)
IASC Working Groups funding the project
Project Lead
Christine Ingemann (Centre for Public Health in Greenland, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark)
Year funded by IASC
2025