John Curran
Northern News Services
Monday, April 23, 2007

GJOA HAVEN - With the first year of their human services program at Nunavut Arctic College all but complete, Rosi Aggark, who now calls Kugluktuk home, and Anna Grace Aaluk of Gjoa Haven agree the experience of going away to school has been a good one.

"Cambridge Bay is a good place to come," said Aaluk. "The residence units are comfortable."

Like many Nunavummiut looking to attain a higher education, the women were forced to leave their communities to study.

"It's not always feasible for them to offer a two-year diploma course like this in smaller places, like Gjoa," said Aaluk.

"But the whole experience has been very positive."

While visiting students like her gain a valuable education, Aggark pointed out the hamlet also benefits from having them there.

"We all try to make an effort to be involved in the community," she said.

"The people in our program participate by volunteering with different groups and organizations in Cambridge Bay."

Having so many new faces and fresh perspectives from around the North is positive for the Kitikmeot's hub, they added.

"It gives Cambridge Bay diversity with people who have different ideas from all different places," said Aggark. "Everyone has been very welcoming."

While they have done well and enjoyed their first year studying in Cambridge Bay, Aggark said she understands there are pitfalls for students that can stop them from achieving their goals.

"It's hard for some when they're not used to being away from their nest, if you like," she said.

"It can make it difficult to study and if you fall behind - that's it, you're done."

As long as students approach the move with a certain level of maturity, she said everything will go smoothly.

"People just need to remember we always have to pay for the consequences of our actions," she said.