Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Aug 22/01) - The Kataujaq Society in Rankin Inlet is celebrating a number of milestones in 2001.

Started by a group of concerned citizens back in 1981, the society is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its day-care centre this year.

The Kataujaq Daycare Centre was the first in the history of the Kivalliq region.

Society director Evelyn Thordarson says the building that still houses the day-care centre was originally donated by the GNWT.

The Nunavut government allowed the society to keep the building after division.

"We get to operate the day-care in the building rent-free," says Thordarson.

"It's still listed as a government asset and we pay all the bills."

Thordarson has been involved with the Kataujaq Society since 1996.

She has seen a number of positive changes implemented since then and promises more are on the way.

Inuktitut was rarely officially used when the day care first opened.

The language is now incorporated within its program and an elder (Violet Twyee) has been hired as part of the centre's full-time staff.

"We also have a craft co-ordinator in the program now and the kids get to enjoy a lot more outside activities than at any other time in our history.

"Having the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth step forward and fund Violet's (Twyee) position was very important to the society, the day-care staff and its clients."

With violent crime in Nunavut having risen in every major category during the past year, the Kataujaq Society's Safe Shelter for Battered Women is more important today than it was in its beginnings.

The shelter benefits the entire Kivalliq region by giving battered women an alternative.

"If battered women have nowhere else to go, they're stuck in their position and leaving is not an option," says Thordarson. "They can come to the shelter to receive help and counselling and, hopefully, with time, improve their family situation."