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Baffin youth, elders to gather in Cape Dorset

Communities can learn from Iqaluit youth centre's mistakes

CHARLOTTE PETRIE

Qajaaq Ellsworth, the bright, well-spoken leader of Iqaluit's youth movement, is taking a more holistic approach to discussions planned for this year's Baffin Regional Youth Council's annual general meeting.

Ellsworth, the coordinator for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association's youth wing, has been working hard to put together the council meeting, which is being held in Cape Dorset from April 23 to 26. Delegates from all Baffin communities, including two youths and one elder from Iqaluit, have been invited to the four-day conference.

Ellsworth decided to take a more relaxed approach to this year's schedule of discussions.

"We've put together a loose agenda of ideas. We're not going to be following a clock. If we have three things in a day that we want to accomplish we'll try and do that, but really, it's the youth and the elders steering the discussions," Ellsworth said.

One of the main purposes of this year's AGM is to get youth and elders together to provide direction on some of the programs and services that need to be developed and delivered, Ellsworth said.

"It's also an opportunity to hear what people think about the impact these programs have had on their communities, and what they think needs to be changed or improved to make the programs and services better."

At the heart of many of these programs is the existence of a youth centre where young and old can mix, participate in activities together or simply talk.

"It's always been a big concern that young people have a place to go. There needs to be a place where youth and elders can gather," he said.

He admits that Iqaluit's dome youth centre, which is funded by QIA, has had its share of problem since it opened, with staff shortages, break-ins and vandalism. But he feels these experiences will teach others.

The council is currently working on a guide outlining the steps involved in opening and operating a community youth centre, and Ellsworth said he plans to use the tough lessons he's learned to teach other communities how avoid some of the same mistakes.

"One of the things we didn't do, which we should have, is have a really solid understanding of what exactly it was we wanted to accomplish.

"Once you know exactly what you want to do, how it's going to look and where to get the money, it's really just a matter of pulling people in the community together."

In the short term, the BRYC wants to reopen the dome with youth taking more ownership and responsibility over it, Ellsworth said. In the long term, he sees the establishment of a bigger youth centre, not just for young people but with more of a community focus.

Ellsworth has been involved with the youth movement for more than 12 years. Ever since he had the chance to get out of class for an afternoon to attend a meeting he's been helping to develop youth-oriented initiatives in Iqaluit.

"I've hooked up with some very positive and energetic people over the years, and been able to use my creativity to help others. That's what keeps me going."

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