ARVIAT - A group of 10 students from John Arnalukjuak High School in Arviat took part in an exchange program with students from Toronto this past month.

The students, from Grade 9 to Grade 11, were accompanied by teachers Gord Fraser and Danielle Fitzgerald.

John Arnalukjuak High School students Jamie Okatsiak, Theresa Nutarasungnik, Brian Sularayok, Terrance Pauppa and James Koomak, front row from left, Sepaorah Inuksuk, Mandy Mamgark, Dorcus Mamgark and Danielle Fitzgerald (chaperon), middle row from left, and Gordon Fraser (chaperon), Joan Alareak and Martha Pingushat, top row from left, of Arviat display the Nunavut flag while visiting Toronto this past month. - photo courtesy of Danielle Fitzgerald

Fraser said he applied to have Arviat participate in the YMCA's exchange program this past summer.

He said he was informed they were accepted this past November and things took off from there.

"We spent about a week there and then a group of students from the YMCA Academy in Toronto came to Arviat for a week," said Fraser.

"It was the first time in Toronto for most of our kids, and the best part of the trip for them was visiting the CN Tower and going to a Queen musical, which was the most unforgettable part of the experience for them."

The Toronto youth were billeted with school staff members and student families during their Arviat visit.

Fraser said the Ontario kids fit into the Kivalliq community nicely.

"Every kid said their trip to Arviat was the best experience of their life.

"They thoroughly enjoyed themselves here, and almost everyone had tears in their eyes when leaving because such firm friendships had been formed."

The Toronto students were given a full taste of Inuit culture during their stay.

They spent a day on the land fishing and tried their skill at dog mushing, stone carving, beading, throatsinging and drum dancing.

Fraser said while curfews of 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. were imposed on the students in Toronto and Arviat, they really weren't necessary.

He said the kids were so tired after each full day of activities, they were happy to be in on time and off to bed.

"I would highly recommend this program to any school in the Kivalliq.

"Every one of the kids we took to Toronto wants to know what they can do in school to be considered for a similar program.

It's a terrific motivator for attendance and performance in school."

Fraser said the icing on the cake for him was the impression the Arviat students made on many people in Toronto.

He said time and time again Torontonians told him and Fitzgerald the Arviat youth were among the nicest kids they had ever met.

"They couldn't believe how well-mannered, well-behaved and friendly our kids were.

"I made those comments available to the parents when I got back.

"We were very, very proud of the way they represented our school, the community of Arviat and Nunavut itself."