Rankin Inlet moms take action to open Nunavut's newest daycare

It was whenSandiVincent decided she wanted to pursue post-secondary education thatshe noticed a huge gap in her community.

"I couldn't find daycare for my children and I was starting school," said Vincent.

She wasn't alone.

"Some friends of mine also had the same problem. And we started out thinking we would maybe get a nanny and share a nanny, and then it grew bigger," said Vincent.

Eventually, the group got so big that Vincent and four others decided there neededto be another daycare in Rankin Inlet.

The idea started two years ago, and Monday is the official opening of theIvvavikdaycare.

It wasn't easy. First, they had to register as a society so theIvvavikSociety was born. Next, they had to get approval through the Government ofNunavut'slegal registries. Meanwhile, they were looking for a space that could accommodate the service, as well as getting a business license to operate. All the while making sure the society followed territorial acts, rules and regulations.

TheIvvavikdaycare will employ more than a dozen people: an executive director, six full-time and four part-time staff and they are looking to hire casual workers.

Last week, the daycare gave first dibs to students atNunavutArctic College.

"They are our first priorities," said Vincent.

"ForNunavummiutto pursue post-secondary education, they need quality and reliable childcare," she said. "That's been my biggest struggle trying to get my diploma."

Vincent said there were several groups and people who supported the women in the process.

"People think there needs to be moredaycaresand it's possible if you find a dedicated group to work on it and open one."

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