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ARVIAT
Michelle Malla and Wendy Shamee of Arviat were among 14 young Canadians taking part in the Canadian Roots exchange program in Ontario last month.

Michelle Malla, left, and Wendy Shamee of Arviat visited Moosonee and Moose Factory, Ont., as part of the Canadian Roots exchange program last month. - photo courtesy of Michelle Malla

The women returned home on Aug. 1 after three weeks living, working and sharing with indigenous and non-indigenous youth aged 30 and under.

Canadian Roots is a hands-on educational experience involving workshops and lessons by elders and educators, participation in local projects, and discussion and engagement with youth and community organizations.

Reflecting on the exchange, Malla said it was a really emotional experience, especially speaking with Cree elders in Moosonee and Moose Factory, Ont.

"There's always suicides going on over there," she said. "(The elders) got to talk to us about how it is living there and the Cree Nation, how it is.

"I got to experience their struggles, and even though they have all the trouble that they're going through, they keep going in life."

Malla said seeing their strength opened her eyes to how life should be lived.

"That is what I want to see - no matter what people go through, I want them to keep walking because life is beautiful."

Especially beautiful are experiences like Canadian Roots, Malla said, noting that without it she and Shamee likely would never have ended up on stage with Canadian musicians Lawrence Martin and Vern Cheechoo during Creefest, an annual cultural celebration held in Moosonee.

"They were all like, 'There are two Nunavut girls who are here and we would like to welcome them,'" Malla remembers.

The group sang Martin's song Wachee Ay.

"(The) first time we heard the song, Wendy really loved it, so she started to sing it everyday. That song would be stuck on her head and then the singers found out that she really loves that song (and) they invited us to sing it with them," Malla said.

"I was nervous, but our group were saying we were amazing."

Malla said the whole experience was amazing. It even solidified her dreams of exploring and seeing the world. She said she has travelled before, but she feels there is so much more to see and do before she decides to settle down.

"I want to experience something myself, to get out while I'm young. I encourage youth from all of the Kivalliq to try something like that because it is important."

Shamee couldn't be reached for comment by press time.

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