Arviat teen selected as Global Dignity role model

Curtis Konek (Kuunaq) at right and Jordan Konek, dressed in light-weight atigiit, speak to a reporter from the South African Broadcasting Corp.’s morning show at the United Nations climate change summit last year in Durban, South Africa. (FILE PHOTO)

Curtis Konek (Kuunaq) of Arviat has been named a role model by the Global Dignity organization, an independent, non-political humanitarian group, which wants to empower individuals “with the concept that every human being has the universal right to lead a dignified life.”

Konek is a Grade 12 student at John Arnalukjuaq High School in Arviat.

Global Dignity has chosen Konek as a role model because:

• as a Master Corporal serving with the First Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, Curtis has served as mentor and role model to Junior Canadian Rangers;

• as a member of the Nanisiniq Arviat history project with the University of British Columbia School of Social Work, Curtis has presented traditional knowledge and Inuit perspectives on climate change at international conferences such as International Polar Year in Montreal and COP17 in Durban, South Africa; and,

• on his travels, he has shared the experiences of disabled residents of Phelisanong in Lesotho, drawing attention to the ravages of HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

“With confidence, pride and with the knowledge gained through his participation in the Nanisiniq project and the Canadian Rangers, Curtis’ commitment to dignity is helping other Inuit youth take pride in who they are: their history, culture and what they have to offer to the world,” reads a biography on the Global Dignity site.

The Fifth Annual Global Dignity Day, scheduled for Oct. 17, will be celebrated in over 50 countries around the world.

“In Canada, role models will speak with youth across the country from Nunavut to British Columbia with the aim to instill a positive, inclusive and interconnected sense of value in young people that will guide them as they grow,” says the Global Dignity website.