The National Inuit Youth Summit (NIYS) continues to gain momentum.
The summit started Monday July 31, and is scheduled to run until tomorrow at the Jeremiah Sillett Community Centre in Nain, NL.
It is organized by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the National Inuit Youth Council (NIYC).
According to the ITK website, the purpose of the summit is to have Inuit youth discuss issues of mutual importance, learn leadership skills, build cultural connections, and determine the priorities of the NIYC.
Approximately 100 youth are attending the summit.
Yesterday afternoon’s Success Stories time slot saw Nain’s Donna Dicker, Caroline Nochasak, and Mary (Binky) Anderson deliver powerful testimonials.
Last evening’s event was an open mic session with Franco Buscemi, a stand-up comedian from Iqaluit hosting, which went until around 11 pm.
Today’s events feature a Land Day up on Morehardt Hill, where the participants are enjoying tea, bannock, Inuit games, teaching from Elders, and pitsik making.
They are having their outing there until about 4 pm.
That will be followed by the community feast, which is now taking place tonight at 5 pm at the JS Centre.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Char will be on the menu.
They are also currently waiting for 300 pounds of caribou to arrive, but are not sure if it will make it here in time for the feast.