Inuvik (Aug 11/06) - The Inuvik youth centre has been entertaining and educating youth, but is always looking for more participation.

"It would be nice to see more parent involvement," said Brook Land-Murphy, the centre's director.

Inuvik youth centre director Brook Land-Murphy and her crew of loyal workers have been planning events all summer aimed at keeping the youth busy before school starts again this fall. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"If the parents encouraged their kids to come here and participate, they would see the benefits."

The centre is open daily, with a strong selection of activities aimed at the youth.

Sports and other physical activities are open for youth and range from soccer games to just playing around at Curtis Field.

A photography workshop was started last month to encourage creativity.

Jessica Gnyp of the Inuvik greenhouse is a photography enthusiast who co-ordinates the workshop.

Murphy said she has been doing a great job with the youth and they have been learning many different skills with a camera.

"They are in the middle of learning how to process their film, proper camera use and styles," said Murphy.

An exhibit is planned for later this month, which will feature pictures taken by youth in the workshop.

Even though the photography workshop is already full of participants, there are other programs like the movie night.

"One of the co-ordinators will go out to the video store with some of the youth, and choose an appropriate movie for that night," explained Murphy.

A summer work experience program was started earlier this summer and has assisted two youth in finding jobs in town.

"We helped them build their resumes, improve their interview skills and gave them some job searching tactics," said Murphy.

"One girl is working for the summer day camp now."

A drug awareness workshop is also one of the weekly attractions at the centre, where the youth are introduced to different drugs with movies and information.

Recently, the centre applied for charitable organization status, which is still pending.

"It could take a few months. We applied in May," said Murphy.

"I think we have a good chance of getting the status."

A new assistant executive director was hired this summer as well.

Sarah Earley from Toronto will work with Murphy at the centre, taking on some of the responsibilities from the director.

To date, the centre has been funded by the Urban Multicultural Aboriginal Youth Centre initiative, which has been provided through Heritage Canada.

"There was a recent cut of $13,000 from our budget, which could affect the programs we offer in the future," said Murphy.