Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 19/99) - As an initiative of the Tree Canada Foundation, Let's Root For Canada has sent 13 youth ambassadors, one from each province and territory, to visit Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

"The goal of Let's Root For Canada is to promote youth, unity and the environment by providing young people with an appreciation of Canada's urban and rural forests, cultural diversity, sense of community and history," said John Hreno, chair of Tree Canada.

As of last week, the youth ambassadors had just finished a tour of Nunavut and are currently visiting communities in the NWT.

For many of the youth, the trip to Nunavut was a different experience than to what they are commonly use in the southern part of the country.

"We were told that the culture in Nunavut was going to be much different and of course it was, but not for the worse," said Iain Phillips, a youth ambassador from Lumsden, Sask.

"They (the Inuit) talk a lot differently than us. They have a lot more subtle communication, more facial expressions and such. It was cool though, because we learned a few Inuit words while we were there, like "oodnaakoot" -- which means good morning."

Karen Adams from Labrador (Newfoundland), differed from most of her colleagues, with the exception of Nunavut ambassador Oliver Kadlun, in that she felt practically right at home in the High Arctic.

"When we went to Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet, it seemed familiar to me because they have dirt roads and the towns are small, just like where I from.

"Going to Ottawa and Yellowknife was interesting because I haven't been to too many big centres before. The biggest until now was Goose Bay."

The NWT's youth ambassador, Nickie Fox, despite being from the next territory over, found the two to be worlds apart, at least in the geographical sense.

"It was different, there were no trees," Fox said. "The people were really laid back and time was of no concern. It was definitely an experience."

For Oliver Kadlun, Nunavut's youth ambassador from Kugluktuk, he took in his colleagues apparent shock in stride.

"They were looking around and not seeing any trees," Kadlun said. "Some of them were happy when we came here (Yellowknife) and able to see trees again."

For Kadlun, the experience of being part of a multicultural tour of the North with students from all across the country was well worthwhile and something other youths should consider.

"If you ever get the chance, go on the tour," Kadlun said. "Don't miss it because it is a great opportunity to do."