Iglulik (May 17/04) - At 17-years-old, Allen Auksaq is more involved in the community of Iglulik then most adults.

He is president of the Amittuq Youth Society, member of the recreation committee, manager of the youth centre, treasurer of the student council, vice-president of the Inuit Games Association and a member of the Cadets.

"I guess I'm kind of busy," said Auksaq in a quiet voice.

He may be soft-spoken, but not when it comes to speaking up about the need more youth programs in the community.

"As I grew up, I started to realize that youth need more places to go," he said. "There wasn't enough for youth to do so I became involved. I needed to start something to help youth and other people," he said.

On May 3, the youth centre was re-opened and already Auksaq is planning for the future.

"We've started some fundraising for the centre. We want a bigger TV, a stereo system and some more couches," he said. "We want it to be homey for the youth."

The centre has only been opened for two weeks and already Auksaq predicts that 100 youth per day are using the facilities.

Auksaq said the best part about being involved in the community is being appreciated for his work. Over the years, the community has been a big support for projects that the youth centre has undertaken.

"When we hear good things from the community we feel like we want to do more, plan more activities. The support really motivates us," he said.

While Auksaq has a few more years to decide what he wants to do, he already has some career ideas.

"I'm thinking about being a lawyer or a politician," he said. "Those are jobs that help people."