Chris Hunsley
Northern News Services

Holman (July 20/05) - There was a time when most youth in this Victoria Island community aspired to be sewage truck drivers, said Karen Kitekudlak, but she has plans to change that.

"Kids here only really know about what their parents do for work at some of the organizations in town, but I want to open their eyes to all the opportunities available," she said.

The employment officer has organized the first career fair in years to be held in the community of approximately 400 for Sept. 7 or 9.

"I can't remember when we had one last, it's been too long," said assistant SAO Susan Kaodloak.

A lack of funds allows only a handful of youth to attend the career fair in Inuvik each year, leaving many in the dark about post-secondary education or what courses will be required for what jobs.

"They're generally students who are doing really well already," said Kitekuklak. "This may motivate the other students to work harder."

Along with the 22 businesses and organizations that exist on the island, the employment team, also consisting of the community's income support worker and adult educator, has requested representation from 160 territorial and national organizations.

Kitekudlak said she'll be happy if 30 or 40 accept. First Air will offer a discount to participants.

"This experience will be invaluable as it promotes education and different career fields while explaining how youth can meet necessary criteria," said Sandra Elanik, manager of the Inuvialuit Education Foundation in Inuvik.

The manager of the Inuvialuit Education Foundation in Inuvik has already signed on to attend the fair, including an information visit with students at the K-12 Helen Kalvak school a few days prior.

"We'll talk about the importance of school and what IEF can offer them," she said.

Kaodloak hopes post-secondary institutions will attend and bring information about how to fill out school and financial assistance and application forms.

"Often they all have to be in at one time and the students get swamped," she said. ""It can be a daunting task."

Organizations that wish to help can contact Kitekudlak at (867) 396-8000.