Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Jun 14/00) - It wasn't all that long ago that hosting a MuchMusic video dance would have been too much to even dare hope for.

But with a lot of hard work and help from the hamlet, kids in Arviat are ready for the dance, tentatively set for June 24.

The event, which is happening courtesy of the Qitiqliq secondary school student council's efforts, has the hamlet buzzing.

Council member Charlie Karetak says the idea of hosting a MuchMusic video dance came from students who attended one in Whitehorse during the Arctic Winter Games, and fellow council member Lori Flynn, who saw it on TV.

"We decided it was a great idea to hold the dance because the students who had been to Whitehorse said the dance there was great," says Karetak.

"We thought, if it was great in Whitehorse, it will be even better in Arviat."

It's one thing to want to host a MuchMusic video dance, it's quite another to come up with the $9,300 needed for the event.

But the student council was determined and, after raising $917 from student dances, $1,000 from the district education authority, $150 from an art project, $1,917 from Brighter Futures and $7,418.63 from the Arviat hamlet council, Much are on their way to the Kivalliq.

Karetak says holding the dance will help put Arviat on the map and make it known for more than just a high birth rate.

"It will be a great reward for students who worked hard all year and recently finished exams.

"This dance can also show people that if you put your mind to it and work together, you can do just about anything. It might also encourage young people who quit school or are at risk to, to keep trying because school is fun."

Flynn says the students can't thank everyone enough who helped them reach their goal.

"We had meetings and planned our strategies, and we appreciate what the DEA did for us.

"The same can be said for our principal and teachers, Eskimo Point Lumber Supply, Keewatin Air, the Co-op, Crystal Burgess, our student body and everyone who attended our functions.

"Most of all though, we owe a great deal of thanks to our hamlet council. We couldn't have done it without them and we really want them to know how much we appreciate their help."

Costs for the event include plane fares for two MuchMusic organizers ($1,600), freight costs to fly their equipment from Winnipeg and back (provided by Keewatin Air, $5,885.63), MuchMusic fee ($1,700) and billeting ($150).