IQALUIT - Drugs and alcohol abuse, physical activity, strengthening Inuktitut, community clean-ups and ship docks were some of the issues members of Nunavut's youth parliament raised late last month.

Virginia Ullyot, left, Allana Appaqaq and Isaiah Patterk participated in the youth parliament at the Nunavut Legislature late last month. The trio said they liked their experience. - Jeanne Gagnon/NNSL photo

The 15 high school students (four couldn't make it) from across the territory who participated in the three-day event had the same portfolio and represented the same constituency as their MLA. In the end, the group would pass the Youth Councils Act to establish and set a mandate for community youth councils.

The experience sparked an interest in politics for 15-year-old Virginia Ullyot of Baker Lake, who described the experience as "eye-opening."

"I learned a lot of stuff I had no idea that went on. It was really interesting," she said. "I found it really interesting especially that all of the details on the mace had been found in Nunavut or used in Nunavut."

Ullyot represented the constituency of Baker Lake in the youth parliament as does MLA Moses Aupaluktuq. In that role, she moved to have a youth centre built in every community, stating such facilities would decrease drug and alcohol use as well as suicide. She also stated such facilities are needed as some communities don't have one while others have one in bad shape. The motion was carried.

Though she's now interested in politics, actually running for territorial office is another story as Ullyot said she dislikes sitting down for a long time.

"I definitely see what they do more now and it's not just sitting around and talking. It's actual decisions and things that affect the territory," she said.

Held every two years since 2006, this is the third youth parliament, with the next one expected in the fall of 2012. Youth parliament participants also toured the legislative assembly building and worked with their colleagues before the actual session. The students also made a member's statement. Ullyot talked about her concern for the number of suicides in Baker Lake, stating more suicide prevention groups and workshops should be set up in communities.

Sanikiluaq's Allana Appaqaq, 17, said she might run for MLA in the future but will certainly follow territorial politics more now. During the youth parliament session, she talked about the need to improve youth programs in the territory.

Assuming the role of an MLA for the youth parliament was a positive experience for Isaiah Patterk but it will probably not deter the 16-year-old Iglulik resident's plans to become a nurse.

"I loved it. I liked just about everything," he said. "It's a lot of writing and public speaking. I love doing that kind of work."

He supported the idea of a highway between Manitoba and Nunavut because he said it would make the communities less isolated and make it easier to get food and supplies.

Patterk said he will follow territorial politics more when he gets a chance.

"It's a hard job. You got to get a lot of schooling for it. I appreciate what they do," he said.

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