Young carver looks to future
Focused on improving his life and youth of the next generation
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Monday, May 2, 2016
IQALUIT
When his peers were outside playing sports, a young Pauloosie Naglingniq was carving.
Pauloosie Naglingniq with his first polar bear carving. He sold the work of art and donated the proceeds to Inuksuk High School on April 15. - NNSL file photo |
Now, at age 19, dedication to his craft has taken him a long way already.
"I know how it feels like to be broke," shared Naglingniq. "You've got to ask parents or your family for money. I used to ask people for money."
But then he thought to himself, "Why don't you make more money and run your own business and teach other youth?"
His goal now is to take the carving skills he's learned and turn it into a business as a way to empower the next generation.
"It's going to take a while but my goal is to run my own business that will help the community and the youth to be something when they grow up," he said.
Naglingniq recently sold his first polar bear carving to raise money for Inuksuk High School. Late last month, he gave a speech to students about what he does.
"The presentation went really well," he said. "I'll give myself an A-plus."
He also gave a big thank you to the teachers and students who helped get him to where he is today.
"I was happy that I was raising money for a student who might need help," he said.
Naglingniq is razor-focused on bettering his position in life. Friends, girlfriends and distractions are all second to his carving business.
"I believe in myself," he said. "I know that I can put more effort to this. If I want to run my own business, I will in the future. I will push forward. I will not stop doing my own thing. I will continue carving."
His message of inspiration for other youth is sincere, if judged by the quiver in his voice when he says it.
"To the people out there... it's possible," said Naglingniq.
