BYLINE: by
Northern News Services
Published Monday, July 21, 2008

PANNIQTUUQ/PANGNIRTUNG - Jacqueline Qaqasiq is open, straightforward and not afraid to speak her mind. In other words, she's exactly the type of advocate youth in Nunavut need.

She has played a huge role in keeping the youth centre in Pangnirtung open throughout the years. She has pushed to keep traditional skills workshops running at both the youth centre and the community centre in town. She said it is fundamental to teach young people cultural skills because they will pass what they've learned to future generations.

"When they get older, so they can know how to do things and they can teach their kids and grandchildren," Qaqasiq said. "It's important to teach them traditional things."

Born in Iqaluit but raised in Pangnirtung, Qaqasiq, 28, started getting involved with the youth in her community in 2002 when she heard that the youth council was lacking members. She went to the meeting and became chair of the council a year later.

She stepped down from her position in March 2007, but stayed on the council as a member at large after receiving more votes than any other member of the council. During her time as chair and in the years since, she has been a huge supporter of the youth in her community.

"If she's a bit shy about her accolades, she shouldn't be," said Chris Heide, Pangnirtung's youth co-ordinator.

Heide has known Qaqasiq since she was three years old. He said her personality gives other young people confidence.

"You can count on her to speak out," said Heide. "She speaks and then everybody else feels free to speak, too."

Despite her popularity and forthright nature, she was hesitant to speak about herself and her accomplishments after being tracked down at Pangnirtung's youth centre where she was playing Guitar Hero.

Qaqasiq is still a representative for Pangnirtung on the Baffin Youth Council and has also worked for pre- and post-natal nutrition programs in the community, teaching young mothers about having healthy babies.