CHESTERFIELD INLET - A group of students at Victor Sammurtok School in Chesterfield Inlet took part in a unique project this past week.

The time capsule art project was delivered by artist Linda Mackey of Barrie, Ont., as part of International Polar Year.

The project was proposed and funded by the International Polar Year's youth steering committee.

Mackey will visit a number of Northern communities to help local youth produce oil paintings to tell their story, and show what life is like through their eyes.

A group of Northern youth will also travel to Ontario to take part in a workshop with Mackey.

The paintings the youth produce will be put on display in Ontario, and then travel to the Prince of Whales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife, NWT.

After being exhibited at the Yellowknife centre, they will be placed in a time capsule and opened in 50 years.

Mackey said a lot of the work she does deals with climate change, but the paintings will depict life in general for Northern youth.

She said the idea is for people to get an idea 50 years from now of what life was like for these kids in 2009.

"I try really hard not to tell the youth what to paint, but I will ask them if they notice anything happening with climate change in their lives," said Mackey.

"The main point I make with them is to ask what they want people to know about their lives in 50 years.

"We're also documenting the project a little to be part of the International Polar Year legacy."

Mackey is in Pangnirtung this week after her time with the Chester youth.

She's been to the Arctic numerous times and was art liaison for International Polar Year.

She said she loves to paint in the Arctic and enjoys her time with Northern youth.

"I'm working with teenagers for this exhibition I'm putting together, and it's been really exciting and interesting to meet these kids.

"The teens in Chester did an amazing job and I found my visit to the community way too short. The school staff were wonderful and it's been great for me to experience life in a small Nunavut community.

"I was really impressed by the Chester teens' talent and motivation, and I thank them for doing such an amazing calibre of work."