Iqaluit (Jan 31/05) - The main hallway of Inuksuk high school in Iqaluit is dominated by a map of Baffin Island, with pictures of communities spread across it.

Michael Innualuk, 18, has been at the school since 1998, so you'd think he'd be sick of this map.

But earlier this month he was examining it closely like he was looking at it for the first time, pointing to all the communities he has lived in or visited, including Hall Beach, Pond Inlet and Iglulik.

Michael Innualuk, 18, practised traditional drum dancing at Inuksuk high school in Iqaluit recently. He brought his drum with him south for the nine months he will spend with the Katimavik program. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

He's now got his eyes on the south. He headed in that direction for the first time in his life on Jan. 25 with the Katimavik program, a youth volunteer service meant to enrich the lives of people from every corner of Canada between the ages of 17 and 21.

The program gives young people who may be struggling in school more inspiration and focus by allowing them to live and work in different parts of Canada.

"My cousin Josh went on it before. He said it was a good experience. He travelled from coast to coast," said Innualuk while sitting in the school cafeteria a week before departing on his trip.

Innualuk was anxious to get to the first place he'll live in for two and a half months: Redvers, Sask. He went through Ottawa and Winnipeg to get there.

Various jobs

About 10 youth will share a house and work at various jobs - on the prairies, in a small Ontario town and then Cornerbrook, Nfld. - before the program wraps up.

"I'm pretty excited," he said. "I'm sure many of those people have never even met an Inuk before."

Innualuk is ready for the typical questions about living in iglus, dog sledding and the cold. He brought his Inuit drum along to show his fellow Katimavik housemates how to drum dance with style.

And he isn't alone. His friend from Inuksuk high school, Jessica Black, who graduated last year, also went on the trip with him.

"I hope I make it to the end of the program," he said before heading back to class. "Nine months is a long time to be away from home."