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ARVIAT
October provided two memorable events for Grade 12 student Curtis Konek and the members of the Nanisiniq Arviat History Project.

Arviat's Curtis Konek is interviewed for TV as Jordan Konek looks on while attending the 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa, in December 2011. - photo courtesy of Nanisiniq Arviat History Project

John Arnalukjuak High School burst with pride on Global Dignity Day on Oct. 17, when Konek addressed 1,200 students simultaneously on a national video conference.

Konek, 22, was named a national role model by Global Dignity based on his work with the Nanisiniq project with the University of British Columbia's (UBC) School of Social Work, and as a mentor for Junior Rangers in his capacity as a master corporal with the Canadian Rangers.

He travelled to the United States this past week with fellow Nanisiniq members Jordan Konek and Amy Owingayak of Arviat, and April Dutheil, Dr. Frank Tester and Dr. Paule McNicol of UBC, to make a presentation at the 18th Inuit Studies Conference at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Jamie Bell of Nunavut Arctic College said Curtis's speech was special.

He said the cheering of 1,200 people supporting Curtis was one cool moment.

"It really drove the point home that a lot of our students are connected," said Bell.

"Curtis is a humble young leader who was really quiet and shy when he first started with Nanisiniq.

"He's developed a sense of confidence during the past two years, and a stronger sense of identity as to who he is he and what one person can accomplish in a community."

Bell said the history project has wildly exceeded all expectations.

He said its participants have excelled since joining the project, especially in the field of education.

"They've documented more than 100 hours of interviews in Inuktitut and English with more than 50 elders, and travelled to four continents to present and share what they've learned and teach their culture to others," said Bell.

"They're getting work with other research projects, so it's helped them get their education, led them to employment, exposed them to careers in the social sciences and many other things.

"They're taking skills they learned by participating in research and applying them to economic development, personal growth and job opportunities that didn't exist before the project was created."

Bell said Nanisiniq has been supported by a lot of people, including the Nunavut Research Institute which is a part of Arctic College.

He said the Arviat Film Society also grew out of the beginnings of the history project.

"We had students and community members who were really interested in seeing digital-skills development and new-media training take place in the community.

"They started a film society to try and help raise money for youths, support their research, and bring them more opportunities for training and traditional development.

"Following the Smithsonian, the Nanisiniq group attended a PowerShift Canada (Canadian Youth Climate Coalition) meeting.

"They've made us all very proud, and we expect their return to Arviat during the first week of November."

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