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WHALE COVE
The Hamlet of Whale Cove has seen a number of positive developments since creating a youth co-ordinator position this past year.

Youth co-ordinator Joefrey Okalik works on his youth programming schedule in Whale Cove - photo courtesy of Shawn Trepanier

While personal reasons forced the original position holder to step down in early August, outgoing senior administrative officer (SAO) Shawn Trepanier said new co-ordinator Joefrey Okalik has been doing an outstanding job.

Trepanier, who returned south this past week after two years as Whale's SAO, said Okalik has the respect of most local youth.

He said the youth co-ordinator's position has been popular in the community, and residents want to see its funding continued.

"We received funding for the position through Health Canada's Youth Anti-Drug and Leadership Strategy Program," said Trepanier.

"We were the only Kivalliq hamlet selected for the pilot program, which has worked very well for the community of Whale Cove.

"The goal of the program is, essentially, to give youths aged 12 to 24 solid alternatives to being influenced by drugs or alcohol while, at the same time, promoting leadership amongst themselves."

The hamlet received $250,000 in funding for a 20-month period, which also pays for the youth activities and programs such as three days of kite skiing

held this past winter.

Trepanier said the program has offered Whale youth various after-school programming and sports activities, as well as trips out on the land for walks, hunting and berry picking.

He said Okalik has been doing an outstanding job at co-ordinating the activities since taking over the position.

"We've been seeing, on average, between 20 to 45 of our local youths participating in these activities on a regular basis.

"Joefrey (Okalik) is a very enthusiastic person and he's been a breath of fresh air for the hamlet.

"As per the contribution agreement, we have funding for Joefrey's position until the end of the current fiscal year, which is March 31, 2012.

"There is a possibility for an extension, but we're hoping to see other youths get engaged in running their own programs and develop their leadership potential by keeping some of these activities going on a volunteer basis."

Trepanier said the hamlet is looking to a pair of territorial departments to fund the program if an extension is not granted.

He said the program falls under the mandates of both Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and the Department of Health

and Social Services.

"The hamlet is currently in discussions with both departments, so, hopefully, there's an opportunity to continue on with the project through various sources of funding.

"It's proven itself a valuable program to this community, with a high participation rate, so it's important we find a way to have it continue."

Okalik, 20, said he applied for the position because he really enjoys working with youth.

He said he's become a bit of a role model in his community, and he wants to set a good example for local youth to follow.

"A lot of the kids started looking up to me as I was finishing school and then, for sure, when I graduated," said Okalik.

"I was very happy when I got this job because I enjoy working with teenagers to make sure everyone has something to do after school.

"It's going pretty good in Whale right now, as far as our teenagers staying away from dope and booze.

"I haven't heard any bad news concerning that since I took the job and, hopefully, I can help keep it that way."

Okalik said youth in the community seem to enjoy working with him and, so far, they've been happy with the activities.

He said he's been more than happy with the turnouts and the interest youth have taken in his various programs.

"I've been doing my best with the schedule so we have something that appeals to the different interests the youths have.

"We've done a cleanup for some of the elders, we have a Nintendo gaming night and a video night, and we've gone out on the land for walks, berry picking and hunting.

"So, we've had a wide range of activities."

Okalik said while the youths do enjoy the indoor activities, the outdoor programming has been very popular.

He had 47 take part in berry picking, while the average gaming night attracts about 25 players.

"I had 12 teenagers come with me on our hunting trip, which was about 30 miles out on the land, and we did get one caribou.

"There were more who wanted to come with us, but they didn't have a Honda (all-terrain vehicle).

"I try hard to get the message across to the younger kids that there's lots they can volunteer for and get involved with at school, like helping the elders and going on the land.

"If they want to try something new, they can apply for things like Northern Youth Abroad, for example, so they don't have to sit around the community doing nothing."

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