Sanikiluaq (Sep 04/06) - When you run the youth committee, it pays to listen to the youth.

Eli Kavik is the chair of the Sanikiluaq Youth Committee, and when the kids asked about bringing back a trip on the land, he was glad to listen.

Last year, Kavik took one group of school kids out on the land. This year, there are two trips. The first - which happened from Aug. 14 to 18 - was for ages eight to 18. A second trip is planned for youth age 19 to 26.

"It is a great thing to get out where you come from," said Kavik. "They learned how to cook bannock and they did some fishing. They had a competition to pick berries and one of the boys won a $20 gift certificate for getting the most."

One of the youth proved that the best muscle a hunter can use is his brain. Luc Arragutaina was able to catch a goose, but not with a rifle.

Arragutainaq chased the goose on foot, threw a few rocks at it, and was able to capture a meal for his fellow campers.

Elders Sarah Kudluarok and Mina Inuktalul visited the kids - about an hour away from Sanikiluaq on a four-wheeler - and passed on some valuable culture. Without a special effect or surround sound, the two were able to keep the attention of the group.

When the older group goes out from Sept. 4-8, Kavik wants to teach some skills he feels the youth are losing.

"This is the first time (for this age group) and we'll get more young guys to try hunting. We are also going to try to teach everyone how to cook and fish," said Kavik.