IQALUIT - Twenty-one students took a week's training in Iqaluit recently to prepare to work with their local RCMP detachments for the summer.

For some students, working with RCMP for the summer is a good lead-in to a possible career as a police officer.

Back row, from left, Premier Eva Aariak, former division commander Chief Supt. Marty Cheliak, Francis Iyago of Baker Lake, Joy Joanasie of Pangnirtung, Janet Qirngnuq of Kugaaruk, Anthony Paniloo of Taloyoak, Annie Akulukjuk of Pangnirtung, Ruthie Mingeriak of Clyde River, Steven Iqalukjuaq of Pond Inlet, Amanda Taqtaq of Iglulik, Matthew Issumatardjuak of Arviat, organizer Cpl. Kathryn Goodyear, organizer Const. Pauline Melanson, Rebekah Williams and new division commander Chief Supt. Steve McVarnock. Front row, from left, Willis Allurut of Iqaluit, Douglas Aggark of Chesterfield Inlet, Theresa Aylward of Baker Lake, Wendy Katokra of Repulse Bay, Adrianne Qaunaq-Mike of Arctic Bay, Sharon Makkigak of Gjoa Haven, Colleen Neily of Iqaluit, Tracy Evyagotailak of Kugluktuk and Joe Kanayuk of Iqaluit. - Gabriel Zarate/NNSL photo

"I wanted to experience it before I applied," said Joy Joanasie, who came from Pangnirtung for the training. "If I like it I'm going to apply in the fall."

During the week of June 22 to 26, the students were taught a broad overview of police procedures, including rules, radio protocols and learning the rights protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

"We talked about drugs and the effects they have on people," added Joanasie.

People from the Embrace Life organization also visited for a day to teach suicide prevention strategies.

Another student, Willis Allurut of Iqaluit, has already decided to apply to the RCMP. He is returning for his second year as an RCMP summer student.

The Nunavut Police Experience Program is a paid, full-time job for eight weeks in July and August. Participating students serve as a "bridge" between the detachments and the communities, according to the former commander of Nunavut's RCMP.

"You have the knowledge of the communities, the ability to speak your language and the knowledge of your culture," Chief Supt. Marty Cheliak told the students.

Cheliak said he hoped the students would tell their friends what a good program it is.

Const. Pauline Melanson, one of the program's organizers, said the students often help with things such as organizing sports and other youth and elder programs. One student last year organized weekly movie nights in Kimmirut.

Melanson said the program teaches useful life skills such as being on time, keeping notes, leadership and professionalism.

"Even if they don't pursue the RCMP (as a career), they still have something they can put on their resume," she said.