Online workshops for Nunavik youth start this week

Over the next month, Nunavik youth can take part in online workshops centred on physical and mental well-being and culture, in a time that’s isolating for many.

In response to the social distancing measures in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, youth outdoor intervention organization Nurrait–Jeunes Karibus has developed a series of video workshops that launched on Monday, April 27.

The workshops are open to youth between the ages of 12 and 20 and are centred on five themes: getting in shape, self-care, feel-good moments, enjoying culture, and sharing.

For example, a get-in-shape workshop might involve an instructed workout for ski training (no skis necessary) or a workout using household items, like the sofa, said Valerie Raymond, general manager of Kuujjuaq-based Nurrait–Jeunes Karibus.

Another session is about emotions and how to respect other peoples’ emotions, as well as managing your own.

In general, workshops are about 30 minutes in length. Some, however, encourage participants to take on activities outside the timeframe of the workshop.

In one segment, participants are asked to describe some of the traditional activities they see happening around them and are encouraged to join in.

There will be 30 workshops in total, and youth can join in whenever they want by registering at nurraitjeuneskaribus.com using either their email or Facebook account.

After completing a workshop, participants will find that additional segments will be unlocked.

Once the workshop series gains some momentum, Raymond said they hope to introduce a group chat feature and host live events with participants.