KANGIQTUGAAPIK/CLYDE RIVER - Grade 12 student Todd Hainnu has a lot to consider about his future.

Hainnu is scheduled to graduate in April from Quluaq School in Clyde River and already has an idea of what he would like to do for a career.

Joey Paneak and Leeanne Hainnu of Clyde River look at a brochure detailing some of the careers available in the workforce for them and their classmates once they finish high school. The pair had a chance to talk to representatives from various companies and organizations in December as part of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce's Community Economic Development Week. - Emily Ridlington/NNSL photo

"I want to go to medical school. If I become a medic, it will give me a better chance to get into university," he said.

Hainnu sat in on several presentations as part of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce's Community Economic Development Week in December.

Of most interest to him was the Canadian Forces presentation about its Aboriginal Entry Program.

"After this you would apply for the military and this is the only way you will get into the Canadian Forces in the next eight months," said Petty Officer Second Class Lindsay Smallwood, a recruiter with the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre in Yellowknife.

The program is three weeks long in Victoria, B.C., and prepares candidates for basic military training.

Smallwood said participants do a wide range of activities including obstacle courses, military drills, knots and lashings, rappelling, learn how to use maps and compasses, do a fitness test and learn about rank structure and stress management.

"It is a good way to see if you like it," he said.

After the presentation, Hainnu said he is anxious to fill out his application and is definitely going to apply.

If the military did not suit a student's fancy, they also got to hear from Kevin Kelly with Nunavut Tourism.

He spoke to students about the development of ecotourism, where visitors go out and watch wildlife such as seals, whales, bird and polar bears and do outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and base jumping.

Within the industry, he said there are many jobs available such as being an outfitter.

Joey Paneak, a Grade 12 student, was interested in how much an outfitter would get paid. He has an interest in welding and mechanics and might be interested in running his own outfit.

Kelly told Paneak and the other students it depends on what types of services he would be offering and his costs.

Paneak said sometimes mechanics have to come up from the south so he sees it as a good job for him also.

"I want to make a living and explore opportunities around Nunavut," he said.

Also looking to combine work and travel is Grade 11 student Leeanne Hainnu, who wants to be a photographer.

Kelly said perhaps she could use this interest to work on the marketing side of tourism.

He had this advice for the students: "It's just a matter of figuring out what you like to do and how you are going to do it."

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