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Girls club builds confidence
Kimmirut Huskies learn healthy lifestyles as teenage years loom

Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Monday, July 11, 2016

KIMMIRUT/LAKE HARBOUR
A girls club dubbed the Kimmirut Huskies has been teaching young women in the community how to live healthy lifestyles before they get into their teenage years.

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The Kimmirut Huskies, a girls youth club, includes Linda Lyta, left, Julie Temela, Annie Lyta, Georgia Pitsiulak, Jessica Onalik, Saila Michael, Jeannie Lyta, Jolene Padluq and Alexandra Mcdougall. - photo courtesy of Petanie Pitsiulak

"It is targeted for young girls that are becoming or soon to become teenagers," said community health representative Petanie Pitsiulak, who is facilitating the program along with Susie Onalik.

"During the program, aside from activities, we will also be teaching them about healthy and active living."

The program runs through the Embrace Life Council, a suicide-prevention initiative in Nunavut. Kimmirut is the first community in the territory other than Iqaluit to launch the girls club.

Running through June and July, the program teaches girls nine to 14 years old about eating well, making friends, managing relationships and dealing with the challenges that come with teenage life.

Pitsiulak remembers that for her a big challenge while growing up in high school was overcoming the language barrier.

"Because I grew up with two Inuktitut speaking parents, English was something I found challenging for me as I grew older," she said.

In addition to talking about these issues, the Kimmirut Huskies get involved in a lot of fun activities, such as recently learning how to make bannock together.

Pitsiulak and Onalik are also working to build the girls' leadership skills and enhance their self-esteem and confidence.

Pitsiulak has been hearing some good feedback so far.

"Because the classroom sessions are once per week, the girls are asking if we could have it more than that," she said. "They're really enjoying it so far and we have a few more weeks left to finish the program."

During the program, the girls have had the opportunity to write down questions they might have about growing up and dealing with life as a teenager.

"Hopefully by the end of the program they'll be able to speak up more than they can today," said Pitsiulak.

The Embrace Life Council is a non-profit suicide-prevention organization based in Iqaluit. It began with the recognition that there needs to be a coordinated initiative in addressing the high suicide rate in Nunavut.

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