Maria Canton
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Mar 15/00) - Charlotte Kusugak had some hard-hitting questions for Education Minister James Arvaluk.

When Arvaluk visited the Grade 10 student's class during the recent sitting of the legislature in Rankin Inlet, Kusugak wanted to know how long it would be before Inuktitut would be a required course for graduation and worth more than three credits.

"I want Inuktitut to be required for graduation and I want to see it happen quickly, not in five years," said Kusugak.

There are so many younger kids who can't even speak or understand Inuktitut and I find that very disappointing."

The only answer Arvaluk could provide the class with, however, was that a 20-year curriculum plan is currently being developed and Inuktitut is front and centre within that framework.

He encouraged the students to study hard and to perhaps take the "rewarding and humbling" route of politics.

"You are very important to us; we need you to study hard so you can lead and achieve something for Nunavut," said Arvaluk.

Others in the class had questions for Finance Minister Kelvin Ng -- who also visited the students -- like exactly how bright is Nunavut's financial future?

"He didn't really answer my question," said Pallulaaq Ford, asked Ng the question.

"I was hoping for something more long term."

When asked, Ng told the class Nunavut's short-term future was bright, but that there would have to be some serious planning for success in the long run.

"It's really up to you guys," said Ng.

"Plan ahead, think about it, learn today for Nunavut tomorrow -- education is critical to your futures and it will make you familiar with Nunavut's future."

Minister Manitok Thompson also visited the students and got some laughs when she joked about the sitting (at the legislature) being boring.

After class, several MLAs and even the premier suited up and played a few games of volleyball against the students.