INUVIK - The Children First Society of Inuvik ceremonially broke ground for the new early childhood care and education centre on land donated by local business owners Monday.

On June 27, leaders and parents celebrated the donation of land behind Arctic Foods and the Iglu Church that will one day be home to the Children First Centre. With the donation of land from Eddie and Joe Lavoie as well as a commitment from the GNWT for the adjacent land, the centre can become a reality.

"Without the donation of land it would have been difficult to find a spot," said Maria Arey, director of the Children First Society, during the ceremony. "We finally have a home."

The centre also received a donation of pilings from Northwind and Suncor, as well as cash donations from Dowland and H&M Recycling to help construct the centre. The project will cost approximately $4 million and the centre has already raised more than $1.5 million.

Right now the Children First Society operates out of the Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, but once that building is demolished, the society will need another home. In Inuvik, early childhood care and education facilities found themselves in buildings nearing the end of their lifespan. This new building will ensure continued child care and education opportunities in the community.

The centre will have space for 120 children and include preschool, infant and after school areas, playground areas, dining and activity areas for play and exercise.

It will have approximately 10,000 square feet of space and offer a place for children from six months to 12 years of age.

An important factor for leaders in Inuvik is to ensure the centre properly represents the cultures in the community.

An emphasis and awareness of the aboriginal cultures indigenous to the area would help encourage the children in education even further.

"There has to be a reflection of all cultures," said Duane Smith, president of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. "That creates self-identification and that is where pride starts."

Having an above-standard, permanent and dedicated early childhood education and care centre could also benefit Inuvik by attracting new employees to the community.

Businesses and offices in Inuvik have reported that a lack of proper child care in the community is the number one reason employees miss work or quit their jobs.

"A sustainable childcare project is just as important as our recreation facilities and hockey arenas," said Mayor Denny Rodgers.

"Daycares have gone from building to building to building.

We all know the issue of daycare and the Town of Inuvik is 100 per cent behind this project."

The centre still needs to fundraise another $2.5 million for the project and will accept cash and in-kind donations. For more information contact the Children First Society.

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