The Uniaraqtuq project aims to support at-risk youth in the Mackenzie Delta, by using dog sledding, land-based learning, and cultural revitalization to improve academic success, personal resilience, and community connections. Guided by Elders and mushers, youth will train in dog sledding, bush survival skills, igloo building, trapping and hunting. The program integrates Inuvialuktun and Gwich’in language learning, reinforcing cultural identity and traditional knowledge. By engaging youth in traditional skills, language learning, and mentorship from Elders and experienced mushers, the initiative fosters a sense of belonging, leadership, and perseverance, ultimately increasing high school graduation rates and creating cultural guides and facilitators. A documentary film will follow participants’ expeditions and challenges, showcasing the impact of land-based education on youth empowerment. This project is a transformative approach to reconnecting youth with their culture, the land, and their education, ensuring that Northern traditions thrive for future generations.
Prize Awarded: $100,000
