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ARVIAT
A program that sprung from the Arviat health committee's efforts to improve nutrition and food security in the community is proving itself quite valuable in its own right.

The second group to take part in the Arviat Young Hunters program are Jimmy Napayok (program co-ordinator), Uukkualuk Karetak (assistant program co-ordinator), Peter Kaludjak Jr. and Gabriel Issakiark, back row from left, and Michael Illnik and program elder Donald Uluadluak Sr., front row from left, in Arviat in 2012. - photo courtesy of Kukik Baker

The local committee has been working the past few years to find out why some Arviat residents lack sufficient access to food when there is such a rich harvest of nutritious country food available.

The project has led to the development of a sustainable harvesting and food-distribution strategy.

A pleasant surprise resulting from the committee's work has been the birth of the Arviat Young Hunters' program.

The program is run by Arviat Youth Piliriqatigiit through the wellness centre, taking small groups of youths aged 10 to 12, through an eight-week harvesting program.

Local elders teach the youth about animal habits and migration patterns, as well as the rules for sustainable and respectful harvesting.

The young hunters work with youth leaders to make tools, weapons and the equipment they need to become good harvesters.

Depending on the time of year, they receive safety training related to gun use, travel, swimming and boating, as well as Arctic survival.

After a successful hunt, the youth redistribute the catch back to the community.

Committee member Kukik Baker said the young hunters are popular in town.

She said when parents were interviewed about their children bringing home country food, an unexpected benefit emerged.

"The parents mainly reported on how much happier and energetic the kids were as a result of the program," said Baker.

"We started this in March of 2012 and we've had about 12, or so, boys graduate in our first two groups.

"Other kids took part, but they didn't finish the program for different reasons.

"We have 10 kids in the third group, which is our first coed group with boys and girls in Grade 9 taking part."

Baker said the kids are led by Jimmy Napayok and Uukkualuk Karetak.

She said everyone's happily surprised by how popular the program has become with the youth.

"We've had people in Northern Manitoba contact us for more information so they can start one on their reserve.

"As soon as our first two groups of boys were done, we had girls wanting to join right off the bat.

"They all want to be able to go out on the land and learn to hunt, and they really need the hands-on experience.

"That experience is something they're not getting at home or through the schools, even though it's something the community really values."

Baker said it was encouraging to hear parents talk about the positive effect the program had on their kids.

She said some kids even attended school more regularly to take part.

"We want every student who completes the program to get their first caribou, but there's also other things involved.

"The first group got fresh-water ice for our elders and, during the one we did in the summer, they went to get fresh creek water.

"We really want to instill in them the concept of serving others."

Baker said the entire program is based on Inuit guiding principles.

She said elders Donald Uluadluak Sr. and Louie Angalik teach the principles to the young hunters.

"We go through the same guiding principles with them that the Department of Education created for schools.

"And, for small game, they learn about ptarmigan and geese."

Baker said community support has been strong for the program.

She said the health committee would love to see it permanently offered in Arviat.

"We've had lots of feedback on the radio, as well as from parents and elders.

"The program is seen as something very positive for our youth in Arviat.

"One parent did think our instructors were too young, but they've been well trained by their families and grandparents, they're avid hunters, and they have the guidance of our elders.

"So I have absolutely no worries about them."

The Arviat Young Hunters' program isn't funded by any one source, and finding the money to keep it going on a permanent basis is one challenge it faces.

Baker said they manage to raise a little bit here and a little bit there and, once the money runs out, they stop to give everyone a break before starting to look for more.

She said the youth who have taken the course are all really good kids who've done well in the program.

"We've really seen these kids grow in the program.

"I never thought I'd ever see kids grow that much in such a short amount of time.

"First the boys and now the girls - they're just giving it their all."

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