Iqaluit (June 23/03) - With her background in performing arts, Teena Kakee knows how it feels to be center stage communicating various aspects of her own Inuit culture to a broad audience.

The multi-talented Teena Kakee is more than ready to tackle concerns about diabetes and fetal alcohol syndrome in the North. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

The new health liaison officer with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association understands the impact these problems have on Northern people. It is her job to make sure the latest information from the department of health and social services is getting out to those who need to hear it.

In order to do this, she must travel a lot. As a single mom that has been hard for Kakee.

"Family supports me," she says. "Without that support, you wouldn't be able to do it."

Recently she's been to Clyde River and Cape Dorset twice this month. Next week she heads to Ottawa. Shortly after that she goes to Holman.

When asked if diabetes among the Inuit is growing, Kakee says it seems that way.

"There's more attention being drawn towards that.

"I think even the smallest issues should be looked at," she said. And if she didn't have enough to keep her busy, Kakee is also helping to organize National Aboriginal Day celebrations in Iqaluit this year.

Kakee, 25, got into performing traditional dances and songs in her teens and has been to Labrador, Greenland, Europe and Korea.

There is a trip to Japan in the works for the end of the year. But that may not go ahead because of SARS fears. Before taking her current job, Kakee worked at the Young Offender's facility in Iqaluit and taught traditional dancing and throat singing with the students at Inukshuk high school.

"I really enjoyed doing that," she said of the teaching. "Being a performer, I've always enjoyed my time on stage."