Baker Lake (Dec 08/04) - A brainstorming session has led to a new publication about to be launched in Baker Lake by Nunavut Arctic College (NAC).

The community's adult educator, Alexis Utatnaq, says the project is being co-ordinated by Sam Itkilik.

Sam Itkilik has been named project co-ordinator for the Nunavut Arctic College newsletter, soon to be published in Baker Lake. - photo courtesy of Alexis Utatnaq

He says the idea came about from a planning conference the college initiated in Baker this past year.

"We invited community representatives, government departments, business representatives and other organizations to have a brainstorming session as to what the community would like to see NAC offer," says Utatnaq.

"We also discussed what the community may be able to provide the college in order to see those things happen."

Utatnaq says numerous ideas came forward for discussion during the sessions.

He says one of top issues raised was information dissemination -- people being informed as to what's happening at NAC, especially the courses being offered.

"Another idea we discussed was to encourage more voluntarism.

"Lately, people always seem to ask for something in return when they do something for the college.

"But we have a lot of true volunteers who we should do a better job of recognizing.

"These people are taking the time to do so much for the community and they ask nothing in return."

Utatnaq says he would also like to see the newsletter send out positive messages to youth.

He says the more being done to encourage the community's young people to stay in school and live a happy, healthy life, the better.

"We'll try to cover as many bases as we can, but basically, the newsletter will be used to get the information out on what types of courses the college is offering and what's happening around our community.

"Those will be our main areas of focus.

"We hope to get the newsletter out once a month for maybe four times a year.

"Sam (Itkilik) is currently meeting with local organizations and agencies to see what help may be available to get the project off the ground."