Stronger Together: A Youth Leadership Program Based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Empowerment
When young people are given the tools and time to understand themselves and their communities, they can do great things.
This February, Ilitaqsiniq hosted the Stronger Together Youth Summit in Rankin Inlet to empower Nunavut youth. Sixteen young women and men began the Summit with a Qulliq Lighting Ceremony and short cultural lessons led by Delphine Shouldice. They spent three days exploring self-esteem and self-care, deepening their understanding of mental health and wellness, and grounding themselves in Inuit traditional knowledge.
Central to the Summit is Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, the living body of traditional Inuit knowledge that makes us more whole as people. It encompasses knowing the land, the places, and the histories; understanding the environment, the ice, the snow, and the weather; relating to other people, animals, and plants; and knowing ourselves. Embedded within these teachings are life skills, alertness, and the strength to live a good life.
The youth also learned about Inuit Maligait, the fundamental laws of the Inuit, which remind us what it means to be fully human: Working together for the common good. Being respectful of all living things. Maintaining harmony. And continually planning for a better future.
Participants in the Summit emerged with:
- A greater self-awareness,
- A stronger connection to their culture, neighbours and peers,
- Healthy ways of communicating their emotions, and
- The confidence and capacity for leadership.
When asked how they would describe the workshop to their friends, one participant wrote: “It’s a program where you connect with other youth, learn about your culture, and build confidence while supporting each other.”
About Inuit Youth Resilience: Stronger Together Youth Summit
Recent initiatives at Ilitaqsiniq, including the Inuit Wellness Summits, the Pilimmaksaijuliriniq Project, and the Women’s Leadership Program have reinforced what we see every day: when we invest in people, we strengthen communities. Supporting youth is equally essential to long-term community well-being.
The Stronger Together Youth Summit supports Inuit Youth Resilience across the Nunavut. Guided by Inuit Maligait and by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, the workshop brings together young women and men who want to learn more about their culture, their communities, and themselves.
The contributions of the Government of Nunavut – Quality of Life Secretariat made this workshop possible. Qujannamiik for helping us create space for youth to learn, reflect, and become stronger together.
