ARVIAT
John Arnalukjuak High School (JAHS) graduate Shelby Angalik is one of 20 students from across Canada to earn a TD Scholarship for their outstanding achievements in community leadership.

John Arnalukjuak High School graduate Shelby Angalik of Arviat has her photo taken as one of 20 students across Canada to be awarded a TD Scholarship for their outstanding achievements in community leadership in Ottawa on May 31. - photo courtesy of Johnathon Cariati

Angalik discovered a love for theatre arts through her school drama club and quickly realized its ability to help youth, including herself, build confidence and life skills.

A well-rounded and results-driven student, she created a reading program in Inuktitut and English for children under 10 to help raise literacy rates in Nunavut.

Angalik stepped-up to maintain the school library after it lost its librarian, and called upon a number of Grade 12 students to help organize an orientation program to help Grade 8 students transition to high school.

Equally at home on the playing field, Angalik was flagbearer for Team Nunavut at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games.

Angalik, 18, will receive $75,000 per year during the next four years while taking post-secondary studies.

She's attending Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., where she received an additional $6,000 scholarship, to major in English.

Angalik said she wants to be a role model for Nunavut youth.

She said Nunavut's youth don't have enough to motivate them and she can help in that area.

"I want the rest of Canada to let go of the stigma surrounding aboriginal people," said Angalik.

"I want people to know we're not the stereotypes they picture when they hear aboriginal people.

"We're not all uneducated, and I want to be a part of having people realize how much of an impact they can have upon the world.

"Inuit have a lot of privilege in free education, health care and schooling, and we should take advantage of that."

Angalik has always been driven to succeed at her own personal goals, and at helping others.

She said for as far back as she can remember, she's wanted to be the best that she can at whatever she does.

"That's really who I am, because if I'm not the one who's going to work hard to bring about change, then who else is it going to be?

"More of us have to take it upon ourselves to make a difference, rather than just waiting for someone else.

"I really want Inuit youth to know we're not what some people may think we are.

We're much more than suicide and hopelessness, and, if I have to, I will speak for those who don't think they have a voice."

Angalik admits to being her own worst critic and giving herself a hard time.

But she also has the confidence to achieve her goals, as long as she keeps believing in herself.

She knows a lot of pressure comes with being a role model, but has the support in place to get past any barriers along the way.

"I have a lot of people supporting me and that really helps," said Angalik.

"Teachers in Arviat really care about their students and they've helped me a lot, and I come from a loving and supportive family.

"Having that support gives me the confidence to do what I feel I have to."

Angalik plans to stay involved with theatre in Ontario, and she may also stick with wrestling too.

She said she's getting really nervous and excited as the day she leaves for university fast approaches.

"Dealing with emotions really isn't new to me, because it really troubled me most of the time when I was focused on accomplishing things, but living in a small, isolated community.

"I felt like there wasn't enough for me to do, and that's why I created my reading program.

"I knew I should still be able to do something to help people, and that's what got me started on it.

"There were some rough spots with peer pressure, yes, but my friends were very supportive, and they accepted me for who I was when I was staying in and doing the work I needed to do."

Angalik said her parents are very proud of her, and they want to see her become the best she can be.

She said they want to see her get out of Arviat now, but come back and help when she finishes her education.

"I want to become a librarian, return to Arviat to work and expand my reading program.

"It would be a shame to just stop it, so I plan to keep it going.

"I just started it this past January, but I have a lot of ideas to help it grow.

"I have a lot of work ahead of me but I have a real desire to come home and help people, and, I'm so focused on doing that, I feel like I can do anything."

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