Art and dignity in Arviat
TakingItGlobal announces new youth co-ordinator for Nunavut
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, November 5, 2014
ARVIAT
Inclusion and dignity through creativity were the focal points of TakingItGlobal's latest effort in the community of Arviat.
Daniel Kooveanatuk of Arviat was named TakingItGlobal's Nunavut youth engagement coordinator earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Jennifer Corriero |
The visit was boosted by the organization's executive director and co-founder, Jennifer Corriero, making her first trip to Nunavut.
The visit saw a number of youth workshops held, and Daniel Kooveanatuk was named as TakingItGlobal's Nunavut youth engagement co-ordinator.
With about 60 per cent of Arviat's population being under the age of 16, there's no shortage of young ears to reach and hearts to win with the message of inclusion and dignity.
Corriero is a big supporter of the Arviat Film Society, and visited with its members to promote opportunities for children and youth empowerment through Global Dignity Day on Oct. 15.
The society's Gord Billard said he enjoyed the art and drama workshops held during TakingItGlobal's visit.
He said doing a video with Corriero was another highlight of the trip.
"I found her (Corriero) to be enthusiastic and passionate, and she had a lot of positive energy around her the kids responded well to," said Billard.
"She had them doing some paintings of places where they feel they belong and where they feel dignity.
"We put together a video of the students speaking on camera about what dignity means to them.
"Jennifer bookended the video by giving a talk on how powerful dignity can be in communities, schools and families when we all nurture each other's dignity."
Billard said the local kids were impressed by the huge collection of artwork done by kids from around the world that Corriero brought with her.
He said there was also a bit of excitement around Kooveanatuk being named as Nunavut's youth engagement coordinator.
"Everyone seemed to enjoy Daniel speaking about his paintings and how they're therapeutic for him.
"I was surprised by how much we managed to get done during her day here. We finished the paintings after she left and got the editing of the video done this past Thursday (Oct. 30).
"She left activity in her wake and everything about the visit was positive."
Kooveanatuk, 17, is originally from Iqaluit and arrived in Arviat on Aug. 15.
He began to get involved with TakingItGlobal about a month later and hasn't looked back.
Kooveanatuk said his time with the organization has been a great experience.
He said he's thankful for being introduced to the organization, and is excited about what the future may bring with TakingItGlobal.
"I was sitting at the dinner table with Jamie (Bell) and he started talking about TakingItGlobal," said Kooveanatuk. "I was interested as soon as he started talking about it and, since then, I've been really involved with it.
"I wasn't expecting to be asked to be Nunavut's youth engagement co-ordinator at all.
"I was just speechless when Jennifer asked me and I'm happy and excited about being given the opportunity."
Kooveanatuk's artwork is also starting to be noticed in Arviat.
He enjoys working with acrylics, and describes his work as being somewhat abstract in its form.
He said he's produced a lot of work during the past two months.
"My artwork is, really, about my feelings. If I feel happy, for example, I grab the paintbrush and canvas and try to get down what I'm feeling.
"I look at my artwork as being unusual and really cool."
Kooveanatuk said a lot of what TakingItGlobal means to him is about lending a hand to help people.
He said since he's joined, he's actually come to realize just how much one person can help an entire community.
"I have a huge blast talking with other youths, especially the younger kids.
"I'm planning on doing more of that because, when I'm around the kids and other youth, it makes me feel included.
"TakingItGlobal has been a big supporter of the community of Arviat since 2012.
"Support like that can make a huge difference in how youths see themselves."
Kooveanatuk said he's now 100 per cent an Arviat resident.
He said things weren't really going that great in Baffin, but his life has turned completely around since arriving in Arviat.
"This community is just so welcoming. I'm welcomed into every house I go to, and the people make me feel like I'm from here, so it's pretty cool. I'm in Grade 10/11, and John Arnalukjuak High School is just great.
"I can see the excitement in the teachers as they teach and that's really special."
