Fostering engagement and amplifying voices: the dynamic role of the National Inuit Youth Summit in shaping Arctic futures
May 31 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Join authors Christine Tootoo (National Inuit Youth Council and Kivalliq Inuit Association) and Lydia Risi (Institut national de la recherche scientifique) for their presentation “Fostering engagement and amplifying voices: the dynamic role of the National Inuit Youth Summit in shaping Arctic futures.” It is part of Session: 4.5.5 Youth engagement to re-imagining the future for northern communities – Scandic Bodø Hotel – Room: Ambassadør 2, 31/05/2024, 11:00 – 12:30
Abstract Text
The National Inuit Youth Summit (NIYS) is a vital biennial gathering for Inuit youth from across Canadian Inuit Nunangat. Organized by the National Inuit Youth Council (NIYC) whose mission is to foster, protect and promote the priorities and perspectives of Inuit youth through advocacy, and national collaboration, the summit presents a unique opportunity for youth to connect and to consolidate their aspirations for the Arctic and its people. This presentation delves into the profound impact of the NIYS on youth engagement and its bidirectional influence on NIYC’s strategic mission.
Drawing from past summits and the imminent 2024 NIYS in Cambridge Bay, Canada, we elucidate the nuanced meaning and far-reaching implications of this event for Inuit youth and the Arctic region. We scrutinize the summit’s role in fostering an augmented sense of Inuit identity and solidarity with the participants’ inuuqatiik (fellow Inuit), ultimately motivating participants to actively contribute to the well-being of their communities. Furthermore, we explore the bidirectional nature of the summit, shedding light on how NIYC strategically employs the NIYS platform.
Serving as a space for understanding the diverse aspirations of Inuit youth across vast Arctic terrains and urban landscapes, the NIYS equips NIYC to advocate for these aspirations on a national scale. Simultaneously, the summit serves as a forum for NIYC to share progress, celebrate accomplishments, and fortify connections with youth, establishing a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship. Overall, we aim to unravel the intricate threads of Inuit youth empowerment, community engagement, and representation on a national scale.
