NUNAVUT - Unnusakkut Inuktituusuungujunga.

That means "good afternoon, I speak Inuktitut" and they are words that many, but not everyone, in Nunavut can understand. A monthly program for children aged six to nine at the Iqaluit Centennial Library is trying to change that.

Joy Nowdluck, 9, and her eight-year-old sister Grace, show off some of the crafts they've made while learning Inuktitut as part of the Inuktitut Literacy program at the Iqaluit Centennial Library. - Jeanne Gagnon/NNSL photo

Leslie Leafloor's three daughters are teaching her Inuktitut words they have learned in the Inuktitut Literacy Program.

"Unfortunately, I don't speak Inuktitut but their father does, so I just figured this was a really great opportunity for them to strengthen their Inuktitut since I can't help them with it at home," she said. "It's very welcoming. The children are learning things. They do crafts as well as have songs and stories. It's really great to promote literacy and literacy is just so important in any language."

Grace Nowdluck, 8, said she has learned a lot of new words.

"I like doing stuff here," she said.

The program is held on Saturdays, and anywhere from a couple of children to a dozen have attended the sessions since it started in the fall.

Through charts of Arctic animals and games such as snakes and ladders in Inuktitut, Elisapee Flaherty of Grise Fiord teaches vocabulary to the children. The day Nunavut News/North visited the class, the kids were learning the names for animal footprints.

"Language is not just a language," she said. "Language identifies you, who you are. It helps you in many ways …. The more you are fluent in Inuktitut, the more you grasp more languages."

She added that since the program started, she has noticed the children are listening for longer periods and are starting to respond in Inuktitut.

"They may have struggled in some areas but they are trying very hard. They are showing more appreciation of Inuktitut vocabulary, which is awesome to see," she said.

Literacy in general is important in Iqaluit, said Catherine Hoyt, the chairwoman of Friends of the Iqaluit Centennial Library, adding the demand is always great in the city for programs that strengthen language skills.

"I think any exposure to the language is a positive thing," she said. "It is another outlet for them to practise Inuktitut."

Laura McGregor and her eight-year-old son Logan attended the program for the first time Feb. 20. As her son is home-schooled, McGregor said she was looking at an avenue for her him to learn Inuktitut.

"Once we know a few more words, it will be good to follow along," she said.

Logan said he enjoys the program, especially the art and is looking forward to going back.