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TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY
An essay describing the needs Taloyoak faces earned high school student Sandra Aqqaq a seat at the youth parliament.

Sandra Aqqaq was one of 19 youths participating in the fourth edition of the Nunavut Youth Parliament in Iqaluit from Nov. 19 to 23. Aqqaq, from Taloyoak, represented the Nattilik constituency. - Jeanne Gagnon/NNSL photo

Speaking and voting at the Nunavut legislative assembly representing the Nattilik constituency gave her an appreciation of what MLAs do.

Aqqaq was one of 19 youths participating in the fourth edition of the Nunavut Youth Parliament in Iqaluit from Nov. 19 to 23.

In her essay, she said she wrote about the needs of Taloyoak and other Kitikmeot communities, such as the small airports, daycare, health centre, hamlet gym and the arena woes Taloyoak is experiencing. Now sitting at the legislature, Aqqaq said the experience has been intriguing.

"I never knew it would be like this. It's very interesting and actually fun but nervous," she said.

She added the experience has given her an appreciation the hard work Nattilik MLA Jeannie Ugyuk does. But Aqqaq said a career in politics, although not ruled out, is still not firm in her mind.

"I could probably enjoy it because I've been enjoying it this past week," said Aqqaq. "It gives me a heads up of what I want to do before I'm done school."

Born and raised in Taloyoak, Aqqaq is the youngest of six children. She is currently attending Grade 10 at Netsilik School. This past summer, she worked at the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, a job she said made her someone she has always wanted to become.

Aqqaq said youths should seize the opportunities offered and not be lazy. She noted a simple essay she wrote got her a spot at the youth parliament.

"I like new experiences and those experiences give you so many opportunities of what you want to become before you're done high school," she said.

Netsilik School principal Gina Pizzo described Aqqaq as a bright young woman active in sports, youth activities and the community.

"She is aware of the challenges facing communities in Nunavut and is especially sensitive and aware of the needs of youth," said Pizzo. "We have no doubt that she was able to effectively represent our community at the Nunavut Youth Parliament."

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