Arviat (Apr 12/06) - A second youth talent show held in Arviat this past month is being hailed as a tremendous success.

Student counsellor Billy Ukutak and his daughter, Jocelyn Malla, organized the three-night event, Tongues of Fire from Above.

Ukutak, who did a similar show in 2005 after a suicide rocked the community, said many of the show's young performers sang their hearts out doing gospel songs.

"Throughout the three days, we sent out 71 positive messages through our talented youth performers," said Ukutak. "This show was bigger and more organized, and it had a better feel to it because there were no deaths in the community."

Ukutak said the focus of the show was to help youth feel good about themselves.

He said adults have to take the time to show youth they are appreciated. "You see their pride when people are clapping and cheering for them.

"It makes them feel popular and, more importantly, wanted.

"Those are the main reasons why we decided to do this again."

Malla lined up the performers, while Ukutak secured the school to host the event.

He also received $500 from the Arviat Wellness Agency to help fund the show.

Ukutak said the concerts made everyone feel happy and brought people closer together.

He said while crowds were good throughout the event, the third night was something special.

"The new school was so packed, we couldn't have got anybody else in there.

"We dedicated that show to Cassandra (Sunny) Evaluardjuk, who was in a very bad snowmobile accident in Cambridge Bay.

"Sunny used to live in Arviat and when we found out about her accident we were all very sad."

Ukutak said the shows moved him to the point where he wants to provide even more opportunities for youth.

"I'd like to do a big show with young performers from across Nunavut.

"That's what's in my heart right now."