ARVIAT - There were numerous ideas and concerns expressed during a four-day Arviat youth forum earlier this month.

Walla Kuksuk and Oonniq Kalluak, right, give a solid throatsinging demonstration during a talent show in Arviat earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Noel Kaludjak

Makigiarniq 2011 was co-ordinated by Kukik Baker, who said the primary focus of the event was to hear what youths like, and don't like, about Arviat.

She said one discussion focused on what youths can do to help change what they don't like about their community.

"The event was aimed at empowering our Arviat youth," said Baker.

"One important component of the forum was Arviat 2021 Dream, which allowed youths to talk about what they dreamed Arviat would be like in the year 2021.

"A lot of what they talked about was the need for such facilities as a bigger complex that could hold more sports, such as a skateboard arena and a swimming pool.

"They also expressed the need for a university, college or trade school to be built in Arviat."

Baker said a number of youths said there should also be a 911 and ambulance service, doctors and a hospital located in Arviat.

She said the youths were also unified in what they don't like seeing in Arviat.

"They don't like the fact there's a lot of drugs and alcohol in Arviat.

"They're also concerned about the high unemployment and the fact people don't care anymore.

"It used to be, when kids were misbehaving, the whole community would pitch in and correct the situation.

"But now it's like people take the attitude it's not my problem because they're not my kids."

The youth forum began with a slide show on the history of Arviat and a presentation by Luke Suluk.

Youths were hired to interview elders who grew up in different areas around Arviat to find out what it was like then, what they remember about Arviat when they first moved into the community and how it's changed since.

Baker said a square dance and talent show were also part of the forum.

She said a presentation done by elders from the Department of Education on how to create a human being was also well-received by the youths.

"They talked about child rearing and how you can make three different kinds of people.

"There are people who are like eggs, easily breakable, and you have to be careful with them.

"You can make people who are like rocks, very angry and hardened, or you can make a capable and able human being, depending on the child-rearing techniques used."

Baker said Arviat Mayor Bob Leonard spent a lot of time at the forum and talked to many of the youths.

She said Leonard took a list of the youths' top six priorities for 2021 back to the hamlet office.

"The priority list will hang in the council chambers.

"So, when council is doing its planning, the councillors will be able to see what Arviat youth want, and do some of their planning according to what our youths have asked for."

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