Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (May 24/04) - Future leaders of Canada had a chance to learn first-hand about the challenges and opportunities of living in Nunavut.

For the past week, 15 people from across Canada toured Nunavut, stopping in Arviat, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit. During their travels, they talked to Nunavummiut about issues that are important to them. The tour is part of the Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference.

Enoapik Sageatok welcomes Governor General Adrienne Clarkson at the Qamaq centre in Iqaluit. - Neils Christensen/NNSL photo

While in Iqaluit, the group was joined by the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada.

Clarkson said the purpose of the program is to allow people to travel across the country to understand all issues to help them develop into good leaders. She said Nunavut has a lot of potential and influence in Canada.

"The North has a lot to contribute and is one of the most important regions of this country," she said. "It's important we have leaders who understand the issues. I think this is the most valuable program we have. There is nothing else quite like it in the country."

Pauloosie Nuyalia, regional chairperson for the leadership conference in Nunavut, agrees that the conference is significant.

Nuyalia participated in the last conference and tour in 2000.

"It's a good learning experience for people," he said. "I travelled to Alberta and learned about the issues they face," he said.

Nuyalia added that this is a chance for Nunavummiut to pass their messages on to future leaders.

Talking to elders

During their stay in Iqaluit, the conference members had a chance to talk with elders and youth.

On May 17, the group met with elders at the Qamaq Elders' Centre.

Elder Enoapik Sageatok said she has seen many changes in Iqaluit since she was a little girl.

"There are a lot of changes in the community. There are more houses and more people," she said.

"The lifestyle for the youth have changed."

Sammy Qaumariak said Nunavut has potential, but it also faces a lot of challenges.

"What I would like to see are things like Inuit doctors, lawyers and businessmen," she said. "We have to balance traditional skills with professional skills."

When asked what is the biggest threat that faces Inuit culture, Qaumariak said suicide.

"I want to see the younger generation live life instead of commit suicide," she said.

Talking to youth

On May 18, the group talked to Grade 11 and 12 students at Inuksuk high school about problems they are facing.

When asked if the students knew someone who had committed suicide, almost every student raised their hand.

"I think this was a good experience to meet these people," said Adam Arreak, a Grade 11 student.

"It's important to raise issues like alcohol and maybe something will get done," he said.

Meeting the group has also inspired Arreak to try to attend the next leadership conference, which is held every four years. This year, 225 participants were chosen to tour 15 regions of Canada. Currently, there are three seats open for Nunavut.

"This year we only had five applicants from Nunavut," Nuyalia said.

"We would like to encourage more Inuit to become involved in this conference."