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INUVIK - The droves of kids that flock to the Inuvik Youth Centre are well aware of all it has to offer. Now the secret is out for the rest of the world to see.

The youth centre was front and centre in a two-hour-long TV program titled Makkuktuuvunga, Upimmavunga - I am young and I am proud, that aired May 13 on APTN North and streamed live on the Internet at www.niyc.ca. The centre was showcased among four innovative youth programs in Inuit communities in Canada, Alaska and Greenland.

The Inuvik Youth Centre was featured in a televised wellness series called Qanuqtuurniq – Finding the Balance last week, which looked at the many unique and engaging projects the organization puts on each year that aid in promoting positive change among Inuit youth. These are some of the local kids and leaders that make it happen. From left, Natasha Jacobson, Nikita Jacobson, Megan Hames (project co-ordinator), Kobe Allen, Emma Tius (project co-ordinator), Tyrell Kuptana, Teresa Winter (former executive director), Connor Bernhardt and Christina Thrasher. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

The youth program was part of a three-day television phone-in series on Inuit wellness called Qanuqtuurniq - Finding the Balance, which aired May 11 to 13. Spearheaded by Inuit Tuttarvingat, the Inuit Centre of the National Aboriginal Health Organization based in Ottawa, the idea was to create a discussion among Inuit communities on ways to build healthier communities.

Dianne Kinnon, director of NAHO, said the centre was an easy choice for the project.

"It's a really great example of a community supporting its youth," she said. "It does a wonderful job welcoming Inuit kids that come to town from outlining areas. The centre invites them to be in touch with each other in so many unique ways."

Teresa Winter was the executive director of the centre until last Friday, when she resigned with plans to go back to school.

She said the staff at the centre provide innovative and interactive programs and have a lot of passion and dedication for youth.

"We see every day how youth respond to positive feedback, engagement and the opportunity to be creative," said Winter.

The centre has hosted several workshops centring on photography, music writing and recording as well as video production.

A group of local youths has produced several songs and music videos. Another group is in the middle of editing a video on bullying with the help of local volunteers. The centre is planning an art show to showcase the projects.

"The video projects provides youth a way to share their stories and experiences with the other youth from the region," said Winter.

"We are excited that our programming is getting the attention that it is, and we want to share what the youth have been creating."

Wednesday's production provided an opportunity for viewers to meet Dennis Allen, co-founder of the centre, who talked about how having a gathering place for young people has benefited the community, and supervisor Emma Tius described the unique programs that are available.

Inuvik resident Shannon O'Hara was part of the youth panel that took part in Wednesday's show and entertained discussions from viewers on set. She'll be expected to bring the knowledge she learned there and apply it to better the region.

Kinnon said ultimately, the series is about empowering people to get out and get involved.

"We want to reach the youth in the communities," she said. "It can be a real dialogue. We want the people talk to us so we can all learn how to effect positive change."