Northern Policy School program wraps in Iqaluit

The Northern Policy School is a free five-day program for Indigenous youth aged 18 to 29. Through workshops, group activities and discussions, participants explore how policy works and how they can use their voices to create change. Participant Selina Inuk-Churchill says one of her favorite moments was taking part in activities that showed how policy negotiations work. One thing that I really enjoyed doing was the group activities. We were pretending to be the feds, and then we had the other group be an organization that was asking for funding to do a program. And yeah, it was just pretty cool. Selina says the experience has strengthened her interest in policy and advocacy, and she hopes to pursue it in the future. Participant Keturah Kalapik-Ducey-Brown says the program helped her understand better how young people can get involved. I think the general process of how to apply policy and get involved in it, in the North especially, the process was really cool to learn about. And it's less daunting once you know the information. Keturah hopes to stay involved in the future and help connect other young people with opportunities to participate. Co-facilitator Nicole Ititik says the program aims to build young people's confidence, to bring their knowledge and lived experience into policy discussions. The end goal for the youth is just for them to feel a little bit more confident working in policy. Policy is something that we interact with every day, and it's an opportunity for youth to connect and share together and learn together. The program is run by Iltaqsiq Nunavut Literacy Council. Two more cohorts are planned for next year, one in Inuvik at the end of March and another in Iqaluit in June. Youth interested in applying can watch for updates on the organization's website and social media. Kari Gardnaal, CBC News, Iqaluit.