BAKER LAKE - The Kivalliq Science Educators' Community (KSEC) held its 11th annual Science Culture Camp earlier this month at Blueberry Hill, near Baker Lake.

A total of 32 youth representing each Kivalliq community were at the camp, which focused on rock and minerals, GPS navigation and first aid.

The program helps students improve their traditional knowledge and skills by incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into all aspects of the camp.

The curriculum also fosters a greater respect and understanding of the cultural worlds that exist for Nunavummiut, and introduces students to formal scientific methods and learning in an outdoor setting so they may learn on, and from, the land.

The activities introduce youth to rocks and minerals from both a traditional and scientific perspective.

The students learn about mineral identification, traditional and contemporary uses of rocks and minerals, meat caching, inuksuk building, basic camp skills, first aid, GPS navigation and careers in geology and mining.

KSEC president Jim Kreuger of Baker Lake said strong winds and heavy rain didn't dampen the youth's enthusiasm for the camp.

He said local elder Hugh Tulerialik provided the camp with fresh caribou meat and demonstrated the proper method for caching caribou in the fall.

"He (Tulerialik) also judged the bannockmaking contest and guided the camp in constructing an inuksuk," said Kreuger.

"A helicopter ride provided by Areva Resources, a tour of the Meadowbank site provided by AgnicoEagle, and a chili cookoff judged by Kivalliq School Operations were popular new activities added this year.

"Those who successfully completed the workbook assignment at the camp will receive two high school credits towards graduation."

The camp came to a close at Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School with a pizza banquet and awards ceremony.

Kreuger thanked the camp's funding partners - the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Kivalliq School Operations, Areva Resources, AgnicoEagle and Kivalliq Partners in Development - for their support.

"I also thanked the teachers and elders who facilitated the camp for their commitment and presented a small gift of appreciation," said Kreuger.

"KSEC vice-president Katharine O'Connell had her presentation to host next year's camp in Rankin Inlet approved.

"The 2010 camp will be situated near the Meliadine River, and will focus on anthropology and archaeology."