Arctic youth projects get boost from Polar Knowledge Canada, Students on Ice

The Students on Ice expedition visited Diana Island in Ungava Bay on one of its recent trips through the Arctic. Here, biologist David Grey shows students a dead muskox, likely killed by wolves. (FILE PHOTO)

Three youth projects will get some help from Polar Knowledge Canada and Students on Ice, which this week distributed $15,000 for youth projects benefiting their Arctic communities in Nunavut and Nunavik.

The winning projects are:

Melting Ice for Safety — led by Paulli Illuitok to help people in his home community of Kugaaruk chose safe, alternative travel routes by capturing time-lapse footage of the speed and timing of ice melt in the area during the spring and early summer;

Northern Lights — with Madeline Yaaka, Gabrielle Foss, Eva Wu and Patrick Hickey, who are using photography and community outreach in Kangiqsuaq to increase awareness and understanding and to provide a positive activity for youth struggling with mental illness; and,

The Iqaluit Qajaq Society — a project of Robert Comeau to teach the sport of Qajaqing (kayaking) among Iqaluit youth and to promote traditional knowledge and healthy living.

“We are excited to get our paddles in the water and offer youth in the community an opportunity to learn about healthy living and Inuit culture. Qujannamiik,” Comeau said in a joint Polar Canada-Students on Ice release.

The Polar Knowledge Canada’s polar inspiration grant program, launched in 2015, was created in partnership with Students on Ice. Its goal: to provide Arctic youth alumni of the program with an opportunity to use their experience, along with the Student on Ice network, resources and mentorship, “to benefit their community or region of the Canadian Arctic.”