ARVIAT
For Kivalliq students, competing at the national level against their southern counterparts can sometimes be a challenge, but one that comes with unique rewards and experiences.

Arviat's Kevin Mikiyungiak, left, and Ethan Tassiuk of John Arnalukjuak High School are ready to give it their best in the TV/Video Production category of the Skills Canada national competition in Winnipeg from May 31 until June 3, 2017. (bgordb@hotmail.com) - Photo courtesy of Gord Billard

The Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) celebrated its 23rd year in 2017. The event is Canada's only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices. Hundreds of youths from across Canada come to SCNC to participate in more than 40 skilled trade and technology competitions.

This year, Arviat had three students at the event, which was held in Winnipeg, Man., from May 31 to June 3. Damaris Nutarasungnik attended for photography, while Ethan Tassiuk and Kevin Mikiyungiak were there for TV and Video Production.

Grade 12 student Tassiuk, 18, said he was impressed by what he saw.

"I've travelled a bit now, but it's still really eye-opening when you get to leave the North and see just how much is out there in the world," he said.

"There's a lot of talented and creative young people from all across Canada who are involved in TV/Video Production.

"It's pretty cool to see some of the work that comes from their creative minds."

Tassiuk said although it was obvious to him he still had a ways to go to equal the levels of production he saw at the competition, he still very much felt like he belonged and was accepted as one of the members of the creative group.

He said he learned ways to improve his own video production by seeing some of the techniques used by the other students.

"I had more knowledge leaving the competition than when I arrived, so that's a plus to me," said Tassiuk.

"My parents travelled to the competition, so that was pretty special for me, and, I think, it was a moment when they got to see their son growing.

"Getting to represent our territory and drum dance during the opening ceremony was something I don't think I'll ever forget."

Grade 12 student Mikiyungiak, 17, was also there for TV/Video production and said it felt spectacular to be part of the competition.

Like Tassiuk, he was impressed by the work of the other competitors in their category.

"They know much more than us, because they practice practically every day, where we practice about once a week, and I was very impressed by the videos they created," Mikiyungiak said.

"There were about 550 students at the competition and the talent in all the different skills was really something.

Mikiyungiak said he isn't the best at interacting with people, especially at big events, but still enjoyed the competition and had a lot of fun, even though "it didn't always come easily."

Grade 11 student Nutarasungnik, 17, said the SCNC was a whole lot more than she thought it would be.

She said she knew it was going to be big, with a lot of people, but the number of displays and things to do was truly impressive.

"I really enjoyed visiting the legislative assembly building," said Nutarasungnik.

"I got to take some photos there and I really enjoyed the area where you lay down on the floor in the middle of this circle-type thing and it echoes when you yell.

"I met a photographer from Manitoba who won gold for her poster work and we got along pretty good.

"We both felt like we were struggling, but she did a lot better than me."

Nutarasungnik said when she first saw the work of the other photographers in her category, she started feeling a little nervous because she recognized they had more technical experience than she had, but she still felt every bit as creative in her approaches.

"They gave me an assignment for college students and I'm in high school, but it turned out to be almost exactly the same," she said.

"I've been doing wedding photos for about the past three years or so and I really enjoy photography.

"I can see myself sticking with it to see just how good I can become.

"If I had to pick one favourite moment from our trip, it was going to see Cirque du Soleil's Kurios in Winnipeg, because they were just awesome!"

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