Rankin Inlet (Oct 22/03) - The Kivalliq connection to the Nunavut Youth Abroad program (NYAP) was strong again in 2003, with one-half of the program's 20 participants hailing from the region.

Kivalliq students who took part in the Canadian Phase of the NYAP were Myles Nipisar, Alanna Copland, Nathan Amarudjuak and Terrance Iblauk of Arviat, Charlene Mannick of Baker Lake, Vicki Gibbons of Coral Harbour and Jessica Siutinuar of Repulse Bay.

Arviat's Maria Illungiayok, Chesterfield Inlet's Billy Inukshuk and William Tiktaq of Whale Cove took part in the International Phase.

NYAP board chairperson Chris DaSilva says the strong Kivalliq ties stem from the program's early days.

"The NYAP began with a bunch of Kivalliq educators about six years ago, so, in the early days, we drew heavily on our Kivalliq contacts," DaSilva said. "That weighted the initial program heavily with Kivalliq kids. That's continued on throughout the years because kids in the region saw their brothers, sisters and friends take part and they wanted to do it too."

Program continues to grow

Not only do Kivalliq youth continue to play a major role in the program, two former participants, Gloria Kowmuk of Whale Cove and Adrianna Clark of Rankin Inlet, have gone on to become NYAP board members.

DaSilva says Kowmuk and Clark have been heavily involved in aiding the program's continued growth during the past two years.

"This is very much a working board and both Adrianna (Clark) and Gloria (Kowmuk) have taken on more responsibility each year.

"They help us do everything from interviewing kids to licking stamps."

Youth must complete the Canadian Phase of the program before being allowed to apply for the International Phase in Africa. The number of youth applying has increased every year since the program's inception and, with the Nov. 14 deadline looming, 2004 promises to be no exception.

"We had more than 110 applications for our 20 available spots in 2003.

"We've also had at least one youth participate from every community in Nunavut except one and I'm sure we'll realize that goal this year."