Green Job Transforms Igloolik Youth into A Role Model for Others

Qumangaapik Arnatsiaq still vividly recalls the knots in his stomach and the tremble in his voice as he spoke on a panel for Nunavut’s recreation and sport leaders in the fall of 2024.   

You have to speak up, make your voice heard, Arnatsiaq silently repeated to himself, seated alongside senior leaders at the conference hosted by the Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut (RPAN). 

Little did he know, as he pushed through his nerves, he was making a profound impact on the audience – some of whom were much older than him and helped him run RPAN’s summer camps across Nunavut.   

“I remember afterwards, one of them said I was his role model. Inside, I was so touched because I’m way, way younger than him,” describes Arnatsiaq, who was employed by RPAN as a youth program assistant in 2024. “Hearing that motivated me to keep stepping out of my comfort zone and show others in my community that they can do the same. After witnessing what I did, I think it sparked something inside them – they realized they could do it too.” 

Arnatsiaq’s role with RPAN - made possible through the CPRA Green Jobs Initiative, funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Strategy program – was transformative. It provided a meaningful employment opportunity to a young Inuk from Igloolik, Nunavut, where such opportunities are scarce. At the same time, his experience served as an inspiration to others in the small northern community and across Nunavut, encouraging them to overcome their own challenges and begin to pursue their professional aspirations. 

As RPAN’s youth program assistant, Arnatsiaq took on many responsibilities including assisting in the management of the organization’s social media accounts, organizing and participating in its 2024 Leadership Conference, and overseeing summer day camps for children across the territory. 

“The job got me out more—it made me way more interactive than I usually am,” he says, adding that he developed invaluable skills in communication, organization, and empathy. 

Arnatsiaq shone as a leader and went above and beyond in his work. He became the first Inuk to receive his Recreation North Training Program Management Certificate – an accomplishment that inspired one of his summer camp colleagues to pursue the same certification. 

Aaron Robinson, RPAN’s executive director and Arnatsiaq’s mentor, witnessed firsthand the profound impact of the Green Jobs Initiative on the Igloolik youth. 

“The Green Jobs position pushed Qumangaapik outside his comfort zone, and he continues to grow as a leader,” he says. “This job opportunity didn’t just benefit him – it helped entire communities by demonstrating the tremendous impact youth can make when given the opportunity to shine.” 

Looking ahead, Arnatsiaq envisions a future in a leadership role where he can open doors for others – a goal that once felt distant but now seems within reach. 

“I want to create more opportunities for people in Igloolik, and all the communities in Nunavut,” he says.

Robinson emphasizes that RPAN remains committed to supporting Arnatsiaq, particularly as he considers post-secondary education to further his career. 

“We want to see Qumangaapik keep going this path. We will continue to provide guidance and encouragement, helping him expand his skills and make an even greater impact on his community,” he says. 

Arnatsiaq’s experience is a compelling example of how the Green Jobs Initiative impacts individuals. It’s not just about employment – it’s about transforming the lives of individuals in northern communities who face employment barriers. The job provided Arnatsiaq with essential skills, set him on a clear career path, and secured his status as a highly respected leader in Igloolik. More importantly, his story has inspired others to step forward, embrace new challenges, and discover their own potential. For Arnatsiaq, the experience was more than a job—it “meant everything.”