English - Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies

1. Piliriqatigiinngniq — ​working together for the common good
This principle implies knowing one’s role within a family,
community or organization and making judgments and
decisions that benefit everyone rather than a few.
2. Avatikmik Kamattiarniq — ​environmental wellness
This principle can be interpreted as a balanced and healthy
interconnectedness of the mental, physical, and spiritual
dimensions of the individual, the family, and the community.
3. Pijittsirarniq — ​service to others and leadership
These concepts together contribute to the common good and
are not mutually exclusive, but inherently part of the same ideal
of wisdom in Inuit culture.
4. Pilimmaksarniq — ​empowerment
This principle suggests the use of information to right social
and spiritual wrongs, and to work toward a balanced and strong
Inuit society.
5. Qanuqtuurunnarniq — ​resourcefulness and adaptability
This principle reflects the need for individuals and
communities to be creative, flexible and solution oriented.
6. Aajiiqatigiinngniq — ​cooperation and consensus
This principle highlights the need for respect and reciprocity in
decision making. The Inuit healing process is successful only to the
extent that it is reciprocal, based throughout on the opinions and
contributions of client and counsellor, leaders and community members,
each recognizing the value of the other’s perspective. Thus, solutions are
reached by consensus and therefore are sound.
C. MEN’S AND WOMEN’S ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE
FAMILY AND IN THE COMMUNITY
The concept of the family in Aboriginal cultures is consistent with the Harmony
Circles, as is taught by Métis Elder Maria Campbell and then shared in this quote:
The distinction of choices
and consequences are both
important lessons to be
taught to children and youth.
We each make choices in our
lives on a daily basis, and we
need to give careful thought
and reflection to the choices
we make, as all choices have
a consequence, whether
positive or negative
[ . . . ​] [As children, the
teaching to] “put our mind
and heart together” includes
to attain a state of harmony
and balance with our
environment.
- Edge & McCallum, 2006
Traditionally, it was understood that it took a “whole community to raise a child.” Since
time immemorial our children were always placed at the centre of the community.
Surrounding the children were the Elders, they were responsible for teaching the history,
customs and traditions to the children. The next circle around the Elders were the women,
they were responsible for providing nourishment and nurturing to the children. The final
circle around the women were the men, they were responsible for providing the food and
protecting all those in the inner circles. Everyone had a role and responsibility with the
primary focus on the care and protection of children, because children represented the
future for the people. When making any decisions our leaders always looked ahead seven
generations to ensure a future for our children . . . ​ (Cowie-Rogers, 2010).
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