Grise Fiord (Dec 13/04) - Adoption is common in Canada and so is adapting.

We adapt to weather changes, urban and rural life, road conditions, and other changes as Canadians.

Now, think of two European students living in one of the smallest, coldest, most isolated and certainly the most Northern community in Canada.

Eighteen-year-old David Sevette of France and 17-year-old Michal Bartunek of the Czech Republic have been adopted by the community of Grise Fiord as their own since Sept. 15.

They will be here until June when the school year finishes. Both are sponsored by the ASSE International Exchange Program, a non-profit public organization affiliated with the Finnish Ministry of Education.

Hosted by SAO Don Pickle, with Cpl. Louis Jenvenne and his wife Charmain as a support to Don, these two boys have been excellent ambassadors for their respective countries.

Besides bringing their cultures to us, they have totally immersed themselves in the activities of Grise Fiord.

It was not uncommon in the fall to see them on a Saturday morning, armed with a digital camera, climbing into a boat with the hunters to go out on water hunting whales and seals.

They have seen polar bears, muskox, narwhals, sharks and a variety of other species common to Nunavut.

They are seen riding on ATVs and snowmobiles with the efficiency of experts, as they visit their classmates' homes during the afternoons and evenings.

Besides regular classes, they also coach and help supervise sports activities at night. This is a positive and exciting way for them to associate with students and adults, and improve their use of Inuktituk and English.

"Both are blending in and they are well-liked by all," says Mayor Lisa Ninguik.