Yellowknife (July 30/04) - Twelve Inuvialuit youth spent two weeks on a leadership expedition on the Horton River.

Participants began their journey at the Whaleman River with a goal of making it to Franklin Bay on the Arctic Ocean.

Though they paddled most of the time, the group took time to hike the Smoking Hills and look for whales in Franklin Bay.

Made up of students from all six communities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, the participants were selected by school principals based on their leadership potential.

In order to call in from the river for a mid-expedition update, a satellite phone was used and I was happy to report that the group was having a great time. The scenery and wildlife was beautiful and the instructors thought the group was doing well.

The expedition sponsored by the Inuvialuit Development Corporation and delivered by Outward Bound Canada began July 12.

Outward Bound Canada is a leading wilderness adventure and education organization, which customized this adventure for Inuvialuit youth.

During our trip, the group took part in white water paddling and hiking, but more importantly learned about leadership, communication, conflict resolution and teamwork.

By overcoming the challenges that presented themselves on the expedition, the kids discovered that they are capable of far more than they originally imagined.

During our trip, the youth learned about themselves by overcoming challenges. When things weren't going so well, I believe the participants realized that the tenacity, perseverance and inner strength they applied on the journey can be used again; whether it be out on the land or in the classroom and along their future career paths.

"The theme of this course is leadership," said Martin Landry of the IDC. "We are trying to equip Inuvialuit youth with the tools to be the leaders of tomorrow and this program was a perfect fit.

By going out on their traditional land to learn more about themselves and each other, the hope is that they will return to their communities with a new level of confidence and respect for themselves."

Each year, the IDC's Beneficiary Development Coordinator Sharon Rogers tracks the progress of the program's past participants.

"On the land, people's choices and decisions have real and immediate consequences," said Rogers. "The kids need to learn to take care of their belongings because if they lose them there is no store to buy new things. Tasks presented to the youth can only be completed as a group and meanwhile, they are having a great adventure and learning, not even realizing it as they are having so much fun."