INUVIK - The Children's First Society released a DVD and booklet package last month to provide information to potential sponsors of the society.

"The book outlines what we need to make the children's centre become a reality," said society co-ordinator Patricia Davison.

Patricia Davison of the Children's First Society has a new package of information about the group and its goal of having its own building to facilitate early childhood development in Inuvik. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Davison and her crew are distributing the information to companies in the region.

She said the package illustrates the need for early childhood development resources in town.

The society was supposed to have space in the new schools, but they were left out of the planning due to inflated costs.

Davison said the society had an architect do a conceptual design of its own proposed building.

"We're looking at a location near the existing SAM school, when it is taken down," said Davison.

The building is planned to be a two-storey facility that will house other programs as well.

"We're not just talking about child care, but programs and support for families," said Davison.

The costs for the building are forecasted at just over $7 million.

"We've spoken to many people in town about the needs for services like this," she said.

During the preparation of the information package, interviews were conducted with community members from all walks of life.

Filmmaker Dennis Allen came on board for the project and facilitated the interviews.

People were asked about the current state of the child-care system in town.

One Aurora College staff member said it is common for students to bring their kids into class with them, because no care could be found.

Another student said child care offered was too stringent and financial barriers stopped them from using the services.

"They asked for advance money up front and we can't afford that," said the student.

Davison said that despite talk of economic development, the issue of child care needs to be dealt with first.

"Some people can't accomplish their goals because they have no one to look after their child," she said.

"It's difficult without the support from a family unit."

Davison said the group is also looking to incorporate traditional knowledge into the centre, by planning a space used for cultural demonstrations and food preparations.

The society has applied for charitable status through Revenue Canada.