Inuit youth join national role models

Four young Inuit from Nunavut, Nunavik and the Inuvialuit region are among a group of six national aboriginal role models, the National Aboriginal Health Organization announced today.

Jason Annahatak from Kangirsuk, Christopher Gruben from Inuvik, Peter Kiatainaq from Kangiqsujuaq and Robby Qammaniq from Arctic Bay are partners in NAHO’s role model program, which is intended to highlight the accomplishments of Inuit, First Nations and Métis youth.

“Each of these role models represents values that the National Aboriginal Role Model program is intended to celebrate,” said Bernice Downey, NAHO’s executive director. “Four out of six role models announced today are Inuit – it is a day for Inuit to celebrate youth.”

Annahatak, 23, is entering his third year at McGill University where he is studying for a bachelors’ degree in psychology. Annahatak recently returned from Hong Kong where he was an exchange student for a year.

Gruben, 19, is a graduate of the Samuel Hearne Secondary School in Inuvik and has picked up many medals over the past six years as a speed skater and hockey player.

Kiatainaq, 30, is the assistant manager of the northern village of Kangiqsujuaq. A Canadian Ranger and scuba diver, Kiatainaq, who is also an experienced young dog teamer, won last year’s Ivakkak dog team race.

Qammaniq, 24, is in his second year of study for a bachelor of science degree at Trent University in Peterborough, Ont. Qammaniq, whose goal is to be the first Inuk doctor, received the Jon and Sheila Grant bursary, given to students for their academic achievements.

The selection of Fauna Kingdon from Iqaluit and five other role models was announced last month.

The role models are all aboriginal youth between the ages of 13 and 30. They were nominated by their peers and selected from among 145 nominations.

Posters and trading cards of the 12 role models will be sent to schools where there are First Nations and Inuit students. The role models will also visit communities throughout the year, attending celebrations and speaking to schools.