Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 24/01) - Kivalliq youth accounted for 39 of the more than 50 Nunavut delegates to travel to Ottawa from Sept. 24 to Oct. 5.

The delegates of the Catholic Church were in the nation's capital to participate in a Faith Formation Session in preparation for World Youth Day in Toronto this summer.

Jesusa David of Rankin Inlet was able to spend a few quality moments with Archbishop Gervais during the Faith Formation Session in Ottawa for Nunavut youth delegates of the Catholic Church. - photo courtesy of Fabienne Theytaz

The delegates interacted with many walks of life in Ottawa, including the homeless, the educated and the well-meaning.

Church volunteer Fabienne Theytaz, who travelled with the group, says each participant had to pay at least $500 towards their own trip.

The majority of funding came from donations.

Through the efforts of Bishop Reynald Rouleau, the delegates were able to stay at the Maison Notre Dame de la Providence during their stay.

"I could not believe how well we were received in Ottawa," says Theytaz. "So many people were attracted to us -- especially when members of our group were wearing their amauti -- and wanted to know so much about Nunavut."

The gathering marked the first time Nunavut youth held a united formation for young people of the diocese.

Ten Nunavut communities were represented by the youth, including the Kivalliq hamlets of Rankin Inlet, Arviat, Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour and Repulse Bay. Also represented were the communities of Pelly Bay, Taloyoak, Gjoa Haven, Iqaluit and Igloolik.

Theytaz says the special cross donated by the Pope in 1984 to World Youth Day will make two stops in Nunavut. The World Youth Day cross will visit Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit later this month.

The cross has visited Rome, Argentina, Spain, Poland, the United States, the Philippines, France and Italy.

"It is something very special for these communities to have the opportunity to welcome the cross. "Hopefully, it will give us inspiration in our task to raise enough funding to send our young delegates to World Youth Day this summer."