Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 24/01) - A group of Rankin Inlet youth are looking for a trading partner -- of sorts.

The youth hope to be part of an exchange program sponsored by their community drop-in centre.

The centre was part of a successful exchange program with Vancouver students this past year.

The director of the Rankin Inlet Drop-in Centre, Jacintha Howard, says her staff are optimistic an exchange partner will be found.

Fundraising is still ongoing to send the 18 local high school students on the 10-day trip, which they hope will take place between November and January.

"We started off needing to raise money for all 18 of our kids to go on this trip," says Howard.

"So far, I'm happy to say, we have the money to pay for 14."

Howard is working closely with the YMCA to find a community partner or "twin group." She says it's hoped the program can build on the success of last year's initial exchange.

Students from Rankin travelled to Vancouver and then played host to West Coast students when they visited the Kivalliq.

The students, aged 14 and up, have been meeting regularly at the drop-in centre preparing for the exchange.

They've been practising their traditional skills to showcase them in wherever they visit.

"No matter what location it turns out to be, our kids will be doing some performing for their twin group," says Howard. "They'll be doing some drum dancing, throat singing and traditional games."

Howard says the students are excited about the trip and are having a hard time waiting to hear where they'll be going.

"If the YMCA can't find a location, we'll work to find one ourselves. The kids have worked so hard in preparation for this, it would break their hearts if they didn't get to go."