Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Pond Inlet (Nov 15/99) - An event that was originally organized to spark interest in the student council ended up teaching many students at Pond Inlet's Ulaajuk school a valuable lesson in life.

If Nunavummiut are lucky, that lesson could mean that experienced and assertive up-and-coming leaders will be elected by a new generation of voters happy to head to the polls.

"The smaller kids were so proud to take part in voting. Some of them were just grinning when they were about to vote," said Ulaajuk principal, Martha Kyak.

"They learned to take part in the election and that they have a voice in who they elect."

Kyak explained that student council participants were previously appointed to their positions by their teachers, but this year it was decided that the job of president and vice-president would be filled by an election.

Students from kindergarten to Grade 6 all voted for candidates who were encouraged to make posters and hang them throughout the school. Kyak said all the students were encouraged to participate and learn the ropes of politics.

"We're always voting for our leaders. We imitated that and taught them this is how we vote in the adult world. That's why they were so proud."

The importance of that lesson really hits home when one considers the young age of the electorate. If the process continues, by the time voters at Ulaajuk school are of legal age, they'll have years of experience under their belts.

While this wasn't the intended lesson of the exercise, it was a valuable coincidence that will keep the number of Nunavummiut scratching ballots high.

Almost 90 per cent of the territory's residents turned out to elect their government earlier this year.

As for the winning candidates, Jemima Alooloo, the president, and Connie Burke, her vice-president, said they were extremely proud to be on board.

"I was proud," said Alooloo.

"I ran because I wanted to become president so I could be involved in meetings and activities."

Burke, who said she was already thinking about a life as a politician, was looking forward to dealing with money in her new position.

"I think it's going to be fun."