Videos spread a message of heritage
High school students share facts for Young Citizens project
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Monday, July 18, 2016
MITTIMATALIK/POND INLET
Eight students from Pond Inlet, representing the entirety of Nunavut submissions, had their videos featured as part of the Young Citizens national heritage program.
Nadia Ootoovak did her project on inukshuks and what they represent. Nasivvik High School vice-principal Claude Pike said he was impressed with the students' ability to speak in front of a camera. - photo courtesy of Young Citizens |
Two hundred students from Grades 4 to 11 from across the country made videos documenting their heritage fair projects. Those videos then went on to www.youngcitizens.ca for public scrutiny and voting. Twenty-six winners will then be chosen and given a special trip to Ottawa in the fall to participate in a national youth forum.
"It's a showpiece for the school," said Claude Pike, vice-principal at Nasivvik High School in Pond Inlet.
His school's students took an Arctic theme to the heritage fair, detailing topics related to Nunavut from first contact with Europeans to Inuit fashion and food.
"We had elders come in and act as a resource person for them," said Pike.
Alailah Tagat did her project on Inuit clothing.
"Kamiks are a perfect way to keep your feet warm and dry while you're hunting and travelling far away from home," she said in her video.
Susie Koonoo did hers on sealskin sewing.
"Inuit have been making clothes from sealskin for hundreds of years," she said. "Most people learn how to sew mitts and kamiks from elders."
Pike said he was impressed with the students' work.
"Our kids tend to be shy," said Pike. "The entire group that had a project, every one spoke, and every one presented themselves and their project well."
The program is run by Canada's History Society and showcases the work of students from national heritage fair exhibitions.
"Like all of us, students relate best to history through intriguing people and events," stated Janet Walker, president and CEO of Canada's History Society, in a news release.
"When they are free to explore those stories on video, they do amazing things. Every year they astonish us with their passion and knowledge."
In addition to Tagat and Koonoo, the other students from Pond Inlet who submitted videos were Zoe Elverum, Natasha Kiyoapik, Rebecca Erkloo, Nadia Ootoovak, Sylvia Pewatoalook and Blandina Maktar.
