Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Oct 25/00) - Nataasha St. John is going to spend the next several months learning language and culture in Greenland.

The Arviat high school graduate received a scholarship from the Nunavut High School Committee to attend the Knud Rasmussen school in Greenland until February 2001.

St. John first heard about the program at the folk school in early June after listening an instructor from Greenland talking on local radio.

She says she didn't think she had much of a chance when she first applied, but that changed a couple of weeks later when she was interviewed in both English and Inuktitut.

"Once I got that far, I started to get my hopes up. The next day I got a call from Iqaluit telling me I was the first candidate to be accepted for the program."

She says when she realized she was going to Greenland she was a bit nervous and scared. But those feelings have been replaced by excitement.

St. John met a number of Greenlanders when she competed in the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse.

She was so impressed by their friendliness that she wanted to go to Greenland and experience their lifestyle and culture.

St. John isn't travelling alone. Her friend and confidant, a stuffed bear named Amy, is along for the ride.

"Amy's come along to be there for me. I've had her for so many years. She's been with me to Whitehorse, the NWT, different Nunavut communities and Milwaukuee, so she'll help make it easier."

"It's going to be a great experience. Everyone in Arviat is behind me. A former teacher of mine was actually there and told me it's a great town, the people there are friendly, open and warm-hearted."

The Inuit Circumpolar Conference is paying for St. John's travel expenses and the Knud Rasmussen school is paying her school and accommodation costs.

St. John is worried about the language barrier, but remains enthusiastic.

"Their language is way different from ours and that has me a bit concerned, but I'm expecting to learn their language, Greenlandic and Danish, and I'm really excited about that. I know this is going to be a trip of a lifetime."