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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
When a group 10 young paddlers pulled up on the shores of Latham Island on Friday morning it was difficult to tell from the smiles on their faces that they had just spent five days canoeing and portaging a total of 58-km from Powder Point back to Yellowknife.

Jan Barbier, volunteer leader for the canoe trip poses with Loic Burns. Burns, who has autism, learned a lot and made new friends on the 580-km trip. "I love the land," said Burns. "There’s no better place than the North." - Cody Punter/NNSL photo

While everyone at the dock was busy signing each other’s T-shirts and saying goodbye to new friends, Mike Filipowitsch, who was one of two group leaders on the expedition attested to the mixture of elation and accomplishment that come with completing that kind of journey.

"It was an amazing trip," he said. "It's been wonderful, but I'm ready to rest."

The youth were taking part in the Northern Youth's leadership canoe trip. The program, which is funded by private donations and government grants, is intended to teach basic camping and survival skills, while they develop valuable leadership skills.

During the trip, the youth get the chance to take on a new leadership role every day, whether it be cooking meals, setting up camp, or navigating the expedition.

Loic Burns said the two most important skills he learned were how to build a fire and how to perform a rescue on an overturned canoe.

"It went very good because I got to paddle in the best part of Canada," said an ecstatic Burns, as he was reunited with his parents. "I love the land. There’s no better place than the North."

Burns had only a small amount of paddling experience before going on the trip, but said it was a nice change from the boating he is used to.

"Usually when I go boating the motor does all the work, but this time I got to propel the boat," said Burns.

Filipowitsch, who has lead longer canoe trips at Lakehead university in Ontario, said he felt fortunate to be able to lead an excursion North of 60.

"In comparison to Ontario, you don't do as many out-trips in the North," said Filipowitsch, "It's a shame because you learn so much on the land."

Although Filipowitsch is a seasoned canoeist he said the recent trip gave him a fresh perspective.

"I've done trips in the past but this was a different challenge, " said Filipowitsch who pointed out the group included youth from wide range of age groups and backgrounds.

"I think one was so unique because there was a good amount of diversity," said Filipowitsch.

On top of having youth aged 11 to 19 in the group from across Yellowknife, Fort Liard and Behchoko, two of the youth on the trip had mild cases of autism.

Filipowitsch said the inclusive environment of the trip allowed people to learn from each other in way they might not in an everyday setting.

"It's challenging in a good way, it's a healthy challenge," said Filipowitsch. "When you do trips like that it brings people together."

Burns was one of two people on the trip with autism and has previously represented Canada in speed skating at the Special Olympics.

When asked whether what he would use his new skills for, Burns said he could see himself trying to build his own canoe and doing some exploring of his own.

Filipowitsch said aside from having to paddle long distances, learning how to cook your own meals and having to set up camp every day, taught the youth to take initiatives.

"It's pretty simple. If you don't do it it doesn't get done," he said. "It's hard work, but they feel accomplished at the end."

Filipowitsch said there was one moment of the trip in particular that stuck out in his mind. In order to make it back to Yellowknife in time the group had to paddle farther than normal in the middle of some bad weather.

Rather than complaining or getting upset, the youth came together and found ways to keep up morale by telling funny stories and singing songs.

"That's team effort," said Filipowitsch proudly. "Trying to find ways to deal with situations instead of saying as we there yet."

Norhtern Youth will be running its first fall and winter camps beginning this year. The camps are paid for by the organization and spots are handed out on a first come first serve basis.

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