Arctic Bay (Sep 13/04) - Molly Oyukuluk is a little shy of talking about her accomplishments and skills. Fortunately the 16-year-old throat singer was able to overcome her shyness and share her musical gifts with tourists and community elders.

Oyukuluk is a member of the Kicking Caribou Theatre group and one of a few youth in Arctic Bay taking an interest in preserving Inuit culture.

"Singing and music are part of my heritage and this is a way to promote it," she said. "I have a lot of fun singing."

Sheena Qaunaq, community economic development officer and co-ordinator of the theatre group, said it's important for youth like Oyukuluk to become involved in Inuit culture.

Oyukuluk hasn't been singing for very long, but already she is developing a name for herself in the North Baffin.

Earlier this year she travelled with the theatre group to Clyde River to perform during the Nunavut Quest celebrations. Regularly she sings for tour groups visiting Arctic Bay or during community gatherings.

"I get a lot of encouragement from the community," she said. "People come up to me saying they are proud of my skills. It's a nice feeling to hear those compliments."

Oyukuluk said it was difficult when she first started learning from her friend about three years ago.

"It was a fun way to spend time," she said, adding the hardest part is trying to make the right sounds and keep in rhythm with her partner.

"The first few times singing my throat really hurt," she said.

"I just make sure that I have lots of water on hand."