Engaging Young Men and Boys
In Inuit Parenting Life Skills
Building on the Engaging Men and Boys project, EYMB teaches parenting skills and promotes healthy relationships through cultural programming, emphasizing Inuit traditions and community pride. This holistic approach seeks to decrease gender-based violence by actively involving men in these critical discussions.
the Ajuqiqtuq Parenting Life Skills Toolkit provides facilitators with resources to conduct workshops that combat harmful gender norms and advance gender equality. Participants gain practical skills for maintaining healthy relationships, managing anger, and coping with the stress of parenting.
Ajuqiqtuq Toolkit
“To Teach to Show How”
Young Inuit Men and Boys Parenting Life Skills Toolkit
Grounded in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, the Ajuqiqtuq Parenting Life Skills Toolkit provides facilitators with resources to conduct workshops that combat harmful gender norms and advance gender equality. The toolkit’s tools and activities are adaptable, allowing regions within Inuit Nunangat to create customized workshops to meet their specific needs and goals. Additionally, the toolkit offers guidance on advocacy, needs assessment, and monitoring efforts related to engaging Inuit young men and boys.
It can be designed to be used in various ways to fit your needs and schedule:
Four-day workshops for young men and boys following the sample agenda on page 39.
One to three-day gatherings in communities or on the land.
Weekly meetings after school or in the evenings.
School classes on gender roles and gender diversity, healthy relationships and mental wellness
Ajuqiqtuq Parenting Life Skills Workshop
Most Inuit men are or will become parents, uncles, stepfathers, or guardians. Although parenting cannot be fully taught in a workshop or classroom, Inuit knowledge and lived experiences can help prepare youth and young men for their roles in nurturing children, maintaining healthy family relationships, and striving to be the best they can be. The workshop content covers the following topics:
Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships provide support, love, and companionship, helping with mental wellness. Good communication helps partners and parents understand and respect each other.
Gender, Sexual Identity and Roles
Inuit gender roles were flexible for family survival. Gender identity is how we see ourselves, and gender expression is how we show it to others.
Lifelong Growth and Healing
Everyone feels stressed at times due to family, school, work, or community issues. Some stress can be healthy and motivating.
Mental Wellness
Inuit mental health issues come from colonization and current challenges like jobs and housing. Reducing stress can include exercise, hobbies, healthy eating, good sleep, and spending time with others.
Violence Prevention
The Ajuqiqtuq Parenting Life Skills Toolkit defines a healthy relationship to be free from violence or abuse. Engaging Inuit men and boys is essential for positive and long-lasting change.
Being a Parent
Being a responsible parent requires patience, resourcefulness and cooperation with your partner and all others who play a role in raising healthy and happy children. These are all qualities that help define a healthy individual and importantly, what it means to be an Inuk.
Need more information on hosting your own workshop?
The Ajuqiqtuq Toolkit is available for free and can be used independently without permission.
We also offer support for those who need assistance.
