Chris Windeyer
Northern News Services
Monday, February 5, 2007

IGLULIK - It's no secret that youth in Nunavut communities often suffer from a shortage of things to do, but the Iglulik Youth Council is trying to do something about it.

Over the school year, the group has put on a string of events in the community, including a feast, a talent show, and movie nights. They also run a weekly gym night and radio show.

"They're on a roll here," said Maren Vsetula, a teacher at Ataguttaaluk high school who helps the youth council members with their work. "I want to try to teach them how to do it on their own. It's getting there."

The dozen or so members range in age from 13 to 22. Grade 11 student Beatrice Uttak serves as president.

The radio show is what made her want to get involved, Uttak said. Youth council members spin their own favourite songs and take requests from the community.

"I wanted to join because one of the members would go on the air and he would make (the show) really interesting," she said.

The group's Thursday night meeting was planned to be all about how to run the radio show.

Uttak said the group has managed to get good attendance from young people in the community at their events.

"They tell us to do more activities, four times a week or something like that," she said.

Uttak also holds a part-time job at the local Co-op store, which in combination with school and her youth council duties keeps her on the go. Not that she minds.

"I'm always busy now," she said.