Tuktoyaktuk (Sep 06/04) - The ancient concept of fair trade was turned into a learning experience for youth from two Beaufort-Delta communities this summer.

Leonard Aleekuk, co-ordinator of the Brighter Futures program in Holman, said 10 students each from Holman and Tuktoyaktuk took part in an Arctic char and beluga whale exchange program, which benefitted both the youth and their communities.

"Holman doesn't get beluga whale and Tuk doesn't get char," Aleekuk explained.

"So we decided to do an exchange where the kids could have the experience of using the gear from each other's communities."

The youths travelled to each other's communities and the fun began.

One Tuk youth, Joshua Teddy, 16, said his week-long experience was memorable.

"It was the first time I was in Holman. We learned how to cut char, seal skin and all that great stuff," Teddy said.

He said he was also impressed with Holman's scenic landscape.

"I want to go back," he said.

Emma Wolki of the Tuk Community Corp. said the Holman youth got to make muktuk.

"They made 24 pails of muktuk," she said.

"It is a benefit to both communities," she said of the exchange.

Aleekuk said while in Holman, the Tuk youth caught more than 100 char, not an easy feat when ice conditions were less than favourable.

At the end of the week, Tuk residents got a taste of char, while those in Holman had muktuk for supper.

It was distributed to beneficiaries at no charge, Wolki said.

Elders and single and large families were given the food first, she said.

Aleekuk said the exchange is not likely to become an annual event, however.

"It took us two years to fundraise for this trip. It's very expensive."