How do you correctly pronounce Nunavut?
It’s not Nunavet nor is it Nunawick, said Alison Griffin, youth ambassador manager.
Seniors at Bethany CollegeSide in Red Deer learned all about the Canadian territory from Griffin and four youth ambassadors Thursday.
In all, there are nine volunteers who are helping Team Nunavut to educate Red Deerians and visitors of the territory.
The ambassadors are volunteering during the 2019 Canada Winter Games by adding to the spectator experience and selling merchandise.
At the seniors facility, residents and staff learned everything in Nunavut costs about three times as much it would in Alberta. For instance, a two-litre jug of milk costs anywhere around $7 to $8.
“That’s why hunting is so important because of the cost of housing and food,” said one of the volunteers.
Youth volunteer Jewel Kuksuk, Arviat resident in Nunavut, said her community celebrates Halloween a bit differently.
Children in her community trick-or-treat at the arena instead of going door-to-door due to fear of polar bears.
“It’s dangerous for us, so kids trick-or-treat in the arena,” she said, adding they also take part in activities at the arena.
Seniors also heard square dancing is popular in Nunavut – a tradition that’s also popular in Alberta.
Transportation is limited in the rural communities, seniors were told.
In some rural areas, the only way in and out is via a plane or a snow truck.
When rural community residents are in the capital Iqaluit, they stock up on groceries, go to the movies and access the city swimming pool, said youth volunteer Alesha Tiglik.
Iqaluit has a population of about 8,000.
All the four ambassadors noted the territory is growing rapidly.
“We’re really modern, but we keep our traditions alive,” said Ayaya Qaqqasiq, one of the four youth ambassadors.
Qaqqasiq and Kuksuk also gave the seniors a throat singing demonstration.
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
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