Naapinneq: strengthening Inuit maternal and child health through gathering Inuit from Kalaallit Nunaat and Nunavut

This paper describes the initiation of the Naapinneq project and the first collaborative gathering in Iqaluit, Nunavut (Canada). While the broader project aims to revitalize culturally grounded parenting programs, this paper focuses on documenting its initiation and early collaborative learning. The focus was on the MANU program in Kalaallit Nunaat and the Inunnguiniq Parenting/Child‑rearing program in Nunavut. Using a community‑based participatory research approach, the paper draws on qualitative insights from the collaborative gathering—centered on participation in the Inunnguiniq facilitator workshop at the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre—and on a desk‑based comparison of core program documents. Reflections were documented through Sharing Circles, round‑table discussions, and a short questionnaire. Results highlight three interlinked insights: culturally grounded programs can support personal and collective healing; language, land, and kinship are foundational to child‑rearing; and circumpolar collaboration accelerates practice change and innovation. Project group members reported tangible changes, including adapting MANU to better reflect Kalaallit realities, initiating new collaborations, and advocating for culturally grounded approaches in early childhood and family services. Grounding parenting programs in Indigenous relational paradigms can strengthen cultural fit, community ownership, and sustained impact. Early learnings point to the healing potential of culturally grounded programs and to the value of cross‑border partnership for accelerating practice change.