Lynn Lau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 18/02) - For Candice Smith, being a role model is something that comes naturally.

As the eldest of four children, she grew up knowing that her younger siblings were looking up to her and watching her actions.

"My mom made me watch what I do because I was a role model for my younger brothers and sisters," says the 18-year-old. "It's a lot of work but being a role model, you help people. Helping people gets them further in life."

Last month, the Grade 12 student was elected to the board of YouCAN! (Youth Canada Association), a national peer mediation group that trains youth in conflict resolution and violence prevention. Smith will be representing the NWT, Yukon and Nunavut on the board.

She was nominated for the position partly for the volunteer work she does in the community. For a year now, Smith has been part of the Inuvik Youth Justice Committee helping to mediate between first-time young offenders and their victims. The committee seeks alternatives to jail such as community service, essay-writing and restitution payments.

She also works two or three times a week at the Inuvik Youth Centre, organizing games and supervising the teens who use the drop-in facility.

Her latest project is working with another justice committee member to set up a Big Brother, Big Sister program matching youth with adult mentors.

Originally from Fort McPherson, Smith has been living in Inuvik since December 2000, when her family moved here. Before that, she spent a year in New Zealand on an exchange program.

"I've always wanted to go places, see things and experience things," she says. "I've never been scared or afraid."

She says she has her father to thank for instilling her with fearlessness.

"He always wanted the best for us -- just to live life and don't settle down. Go for your education and travel."

After high school, Smith plans to become a lawyer.

"I'm interested in everything to do with justice, government and politics," she says.