John Thompson
Northern News Services

Arctic Bay (May 30/05) - Soloman Oyukuluk recently paid a visit to Parliament Hill in Ottawa and had a chance to pace the corridors of power himself.

The Grade 12 student from Arctic Bay spent a week in the federal capital as part of the Encounters with Canada program in February.

Prime Minister Paul Martin wasn't available to slap a high-five with, but Oyukuluk did have a chance to see a parliamentary debate in action, which he said involved lots of shouting.

He also visited the Senate, which was a far more subdued affair. But he didn't spent his whole time inside the political arena - Oyukuluk also had plenty of time inside the sports ring. The program offers a number of themed activities, and he chose sports and fitness. By the week's end he learned he was a natural at curling. He also tried his hand at ultimate frisbee, and narrowly avoided a boot to the nose during a kick-boxing seminar.

"It was awesome," he said, adding he made friends from across Canada.

His only regret is that the trip was only a week long.

"I wish I could have stayed longer."