Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Aug 09/00) - The concept evolved more than two years ago as a way to celebrate what Nunavut had to offer, particularly in the realm of learning.

In the days following last month's Nunavut Conversation in Iqaluit-- the conference that blossomed from the concept -- participants and organizers said their goals had been met. Successful talks on adult learning and the birth of the territory took place during the event.

Nancy Hyland, conference facilitator and the director of adult education and post-secondary services for Nunavut's Department of Education, described the spirit behind the Nunavut Conversation.

"It was understood that the North feels like the south has to bring their expertise to the North," said Hyland. "We wanted the opportunity to change that paradigm."

An organizing committee was formed with 12 volunteers, six from the North and six from the south, and when they began to meeting more than a year ago, they chose a conference theme. "Affirming ourselves for the millennium, that was the theme. We have to affirm ourselves of our expertise and what we have to share with the rest of the country," said Hyland.

About 85 Nunavut residents and 75 southerners participated in the three-day event. There were also speeches, dinners and workshops -- based on the themes of the Bathurst Mandate.

Ranging from the media's role in continuing adult education to Inuit games and the adult learning experience, the workshops gave participants an opportunity to see the options available to Nunavut learners who want to continue their education.

Hyland said the conference was extremely successful, particularly because people were asked to do their share of learning about Nunavut prior to attending. She also said they were expected to do follow-up at home.

"When participants return home, they'll be hosting study circles about Nunavut.

"The conversation didn't stop here. Each participant is committed to hosting a community conversation about Nunavut," said Hyland.

Conference organizer Sandy Kusugak said the event spread the word about the state of adult education in Nunavut "We were looking around and asking what do people need to know? What's useful to adult learners?" said Kusugak.

"The people from the south will take back the knowledge about how, in the Canadian context, people develop and adapt and develop programs that are suited to what they want to be doing," said Kusugak.