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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Northern youth had an opportunity to weigh in on Northern issues such as climate change last month.

Students from across the territory were at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife on Nov. 21 and 22 for a conference titled Polar Perspectives.

Patrick Akiatok of Ulukhaktok shows off a Canadian flag he painted on a paddle at the Polar Perspectives youth forum. - photo courtesy of Barb Cameron

Although students from across the territory took part, conference organizer and assistant director Barb Cameron said the Beaufort Delta students brought a true Arctic perspective to the conference.

"I really feel the presence of the students from the Beaufort Delta changed the forum because they brought different set of experiences," said Cameron.

Students listened to presentations by scientists and environmentalists, and took part in discussions on Arctic topics.

Polar Perspectives conferences were held at museums across Canada and included students from every province and territory. The events were organized by the Canadian Association of Natural Science Museums and Students on Ice, a group that organizes Arctic trips and conference for students.

Cameron said the Prince of Wales Heritage center was able to put its own spin on the event. Besides just having discussions amongst themselves, they also connected with Inuvik students through a Skype video Internet connection for a conference.

Students were also given the opportunity to paint a canoe paddle at the end of the day with an image representing their thoughts on the North.

Aklavik student Dustin Edwards painted a polar bear on his paddle because they are his favourite animal and a symbol of what could be lost to climate change. He said the conference helped him realize the difference he as an individual can make.

"We were talking about what we should be doing and what the government should do," he said.

For Edwards it was more than just a chance to go to Yellowknife and meet new people. He was so inspired by what he heard at the meeting he felt he had to bring the message back to Aklavik.

As soon as he returned home he asked his teachers if he could deliver a presentation to the students. They gladly agreed and Edwards gave an afternoon talk to the high school classes about what he had learned at the conference.

Cameron said the enthusiasm and the need to do more was shared by all of the students.

"I think the message I heard from students was what can we do now in our communities?"