Inuit Circumpolar Council launches youth leadership program
As part of ongoing efforts to increase youth leadership in the Arctic, the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) has launched a youth engagement program.
The initiative targets young Inuit aged 21 to 35 and aims to develop their leadership skills and enhance their contributions to their communities.
“This initiative is not just about developing individual leaders but about creating a network of empowered young people who are ready to guide their communities forward,” Sara Olsvig, ICC Chair, said in a statement this week.
The program will give participants online courses, workshops, and seminars focused on professional development and Inuit culture
ICC said collaboration among participants from different regions and fostering a pan-Arctic network of shared learning will be a key focuses.
Mentors to help participants prepare for leadership on the international stage
The program also aims to help participants understand how the ICC works, boost advocacy efforts, and build stronger connections across the Arctic.
Strong mentorship opportunities will also help set the program apart the organization said.
The mentors will come from ICC’s network.
“These mentors are key in helping participants navigate complex issues and seize opportunities that benefit Inuit across the Arctic,” the organization said.
ICC started in 1977 and represents the approximately 180,000 Inuit in Canada; Greenland; Chukotka, Russia; and in Alaska in the United States.
Information about the program is available on the ICC website.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Post-secondary education offered in Nunavik, Quebec would be a game changer, says school board, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Connection to nature, concern for environment amongst results of Sami youth survey, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Sami education conference looks at how to better serve Indigenous children, Eye on the Arctic
Sweden: Can cross-border cooperation help decolonize Sami-language education?, Eye on the Arctic
The Inuit Circumpolar Council’s youth involvement program is an amazing endeavor that equips the upcoming generation of Inuit leaders! It is assisting young Inuit in strengthening their communities and developing their own abilities by offering networking opportunities, mentorship, and useful tools. I’m eager to observe how this program will affect the Arctic!