Cambridge Bay (June 02/03) - Ten girls from Cambridge Bay got tips on basketball and banking last week.

The Grade 9 to 12 students from the hamlet participated in a pilot project that coordinators are hoping will reach other Kitikmeot communities.

Sponsored by the Kitikmeot Economic Development Commission, Canadian North and Green Row Executive Suites, the workshop focused on financial management, fitness and nutrition.

Sean Peterson, project coordinator, chose Heidie Dennis and Alicia Ferdinand as co-ordinators of the course.

Dennis is a former University of Alberta basketball player and is completing her bachelor of commerce in International Business and Trade.

Ferdinand is a former Canadian national track team member, a geologist by trade and is currently employed by the Ontario Securities Commission.

Both are also non-smokers, which was important, said Peterson.

"We didn't want them going out for a smoke during breaks, that would destroy what we were trying to accomplish," said Peterson.

The goal was to increase self esteem and encourage the girls to pursue advanced education and a healthier lifestyle.

"A lot of girls 17 and under are having children. Maybe a course like this will make them delay making those hard life choices," he said.

"The reason it's only for girls is because the girls up here are less expressive than guys and we wanted to give them a course with their peers."

Aurora Kavanna, Grade 9, and Tammy Omilgoetok, Grade 10, said they found the courses beneficial.

"It's going to be really good for me in the future," said Kavanna.

"It's a good learning experience. I wouldn't know how to bank myself if I didn't take this course," added Omilgoetok.

Ferdinand, who facilitates a number of similar workshops said she was impressed with the girls who took the course.

"I'm thrilled to be here the girls are all very excited and very enthusiastic," she said.

Peterson hopes the course will motivate the girls to go on to bigger and better things.

"In 10 years maybe we'll be reading about some of these girls," he said.