NUNAVUT

Whether it is training coaches or ice technicians for curling, communities will be able to turn to the newly-formed Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut.

The non-profit organization formed this past June to promote the growth and development of recreation and parks in Nunavut and increase public awareness and support for services. It also aims to get residents more involved in physical activity, sport and recreation activities. The association also plans to offer training to volunteers, coaches and professionals in the field and increase communication between people involved in recreation and parks.

"We just feel that Nunavut is lacking in some areas of sports and recreation, of getting out there and getting active," said Victoria Hann, recreation program co-ordinator for the City of Iqaluit and the new association's president.

She added Nunavut is the last Canadian jurisdiction to form such an association.

"Services in the North are not as high as southern services so therefore, we wanted to just improve the communication between individuals and between organizations within Nunavut," she said.

The territorial association will be affiliated with the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association. The association also wants to provide input in national policy development with Sport Canada or Hockey Canada, for instance.

Alex Arnatsiaq, recreation co-ordinator in Iglulik, said they will be able to talk to the association about what is happening but added he was unsure how it could specifically help Iglulik at this point.

In Whale Cove, recreation co-ordinator Chris Jones said he had interaction with the association last summer.

"They know what we go through in these smaller places and what we need. I know they will give us more voice," he said.

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