Nunavut youth head to Ottawa
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Apr 16/01) - When Fauna Kingdon extends a hand to greet Prime Minister Jean Chretien, it won't be the first time.
The 16-year-old former legislative page and member of the Liberal party's youth wing met Chretien during the opening of Nunavut's legislature two years ago.
The student council secretary will get a chance to meet Chretien again during a Forum for Young Canadians in Ottawa April 21-28.
Fellow Inuksuk high school students Jonathan Levy and Tyson Attagutsiak and 10 other students from Nunavut have also been selected to attend.
Every year, 500 high school students from across Canada converge on the nation's capital for the forum. For seven days and seven nights, youth rub elbows and share dinner tables with Senators, Members of Parliament and senior public servants. Students are introduced to the parliamentary system, elections and the roles of Cabinet.
Selected participants raise $765 to cover food and accommodations for one week. The forum covers all travel expenses.
"It's good for youth to know their country's political system and to meet other students from across Canada," Kingdon said.
A separate conference for teachers is held one week later.
Senior high school students between the ages of 16-19 are eligible to apply. Participants have a demonstrated interest in current and national affairs.
Provincial and territorial committees make the final participant selections based on quotas allotted to each area.
The forum is an investment in the future, said Val Amigo, administrative assistant.
"It gives students a first-hand look at what government does for us, how ministers work, how the election process works," Amigo said.
"I wish they had a program like this when I was a student."
Kingdon raised her $765 through friends and family. Perhaps leading the country will be pay back enough.
"It's a great opportunity. I plan to go to university to study political science or business administration," Kingdon said.
