Colby, one of our child and youth advocates, recently came back from meeting young people and service providers in the communities of Taloyoak, Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay. Here is what he had to say about his trip:
“The Kitikmeot travel was very warming to my heart. I began my travels in Taloyoak. I was welcomed by staff and students at the school there and I was given my very first Inuktitut name: ‘Colby Umilik’ meaning ‘Colby with a beard’ by a kindergarten teacher. I spoke to students and teachers about child rights and what we do in our office. I also met with different service providers from Government of Nunavut departments. It was a great opportunity for me to be able to talk about our office in person.
My next stop was Kugluktuk. I had an outstanding meeting with the community’s Senior Administrative Officer. He shared a lot of information about programs and projects that are currently running in Kugluktuk. I also spent time at the youth centre and played table tennis with the youth there.
My final stop was in Cambridge Bay, again another beautiful Nunavut community. I spoke to some teachers in their classrooms in the school who had long advocated for our office’s creation. And, I met with many children and youth. In addition, I had a great meeting with Minister Keith Peterson.”