Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, December 12, 2007

ARVIAT - Arviat Grade 12 student Jon Pameolik certainly rates as a frequent flyer these days - and an outstanding example of Nunavut youth at work on the global stage.

Pameolik, 17, travelled to Barcelona, Spain, this past month to take part in the United Nations conference on the rights of children and adolescents.

Jon Pameolik of Arviat and Amber Tagalik, a former Arviat resident now living in the Baffin, proudly display the Nunavut flag in Barcelona, Spain, this past month. - photo courtesy of Jon Pameolik

Among the six Canadian youth who attended the conference were three from Nunavut, two from Toronto and one from Vancouver.

Joining Pameolik from Nunavut were Amber Tagalik, a former Arviat resident now living in the Baffin, and Shawn Kuliktana of the Kitikmeot.

Pameolik, who also spent a summer in Africa as part of the Northern Youth Abroad program, said there were about 140 youth from around the world in Barcelona to work on an international declaration of rights for youth.

He said the youth who attended the conference were active participants in the proceedings.

"The youth were put into six groups with each having an adult group leader," said Pameolik.

"Each group had a different problem to address, with my group's being the problems of youth identity.

"Other topics focused on issues such as health, education, poverty and things of that nature.

"It was an interesting experience and it felt good to be involved with such an important conference."

While the main focus of the trip was the conference itself, Pameolik said there was some time allotted for sightseeing.

He said the city was fascinating, and among the sites to make an impression upon him was the Temple Expiatori de la Sangrada Familia (Holy Family Church).

The Roman Catholic basilica was designed by Antoni Gaudi, who spent more than 40 years of his life working on the project.

Construction began in 1882 and the church isn't scheduled to be completed until 2026.

"The church was incredible and we also got to see Barcelona's stadium where the professional soccer team plays.

"Soccer is very popular there and it was really exciting to see the stadium."

Pameolik said he'd like to see more Nunavut youth taking advantage of every opportunity to travel.

"I always tell other youth to take advantage of chances to travel to the south or abroad.

"It really helps you understand other cultures better and broadens your horizons."