b'INUIT FOCUSadministration, but most of her teaching and learning takesBUILDING CONNECTIONplace in her community-based role as the executive directorWhile immensely proud of the North, her work and travel has helped of the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre (IRRC) inAragutak realize how disconnected Inuit communities can be from Kuujjuaq, Quebec.the world of technology. People often envision this pristine land, and while it is very sacred to us, I dont think it is really understood TRANSFORMATION The organization delivers holistic and culturally sensitivehow challenging it can be to follow and connect to the world, she healing programs that blend traditional Inuit values to workexplains. The Internet is such a powerful teaching tool and we are so through trauma and addiction. Most of Aragutaks workbehind with it. In turn, we are missing out on economic development, centres around supporting youth in the Nunavik region. Shemodern medicine, and educational advancement. works with individuals who are seeking health and wellnesssomething she believes every human being deserves.This lack of Internet and technology has been especially challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Aragutak explains, Quarantine While the work can be taxing, Aragutak focuses on thehas been really hard on the individual self. FaceTime, online shop-inspiring transformation that can take place in individuals.ping, and sources of entertainment are all impossible without an [Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre] is a sacred placeInternet connection. for individuals to get their confidence back and to start toSimultaneously, however, the pandemic has allowed Aragutak to view themselves as being worthy, she says. In turn, youspend more time at home with her own family. Currently expecting see these individuals start gaining confidence to take care ofher second child, she was able to spend the spring and summer themselves and their families, as well as participating in themonths connecting with her toddler. There have been a lot of special community again.moments, she says. I was able to allow myself more time to do more feeling, which doesnt always happen when life is moving so fast. COVID IMPACT When asked what message she would like to close with, Aragutak As with many organizations, Aragutaks work experiencedcircles back to the youth in her community. There are so many a decline in activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Theyoung, bright, talented people in our community who are so capable recovery centre already operates in confined spaces with upand excited to participate in what the world has to offer, she says. to three people occupying one housing room at a time, so theWe want to take part, and we want to hold hands with the rest of the government guidelines posed challenges. Social distancingworld and contribute our strong values moving forward.protocols have been the hardest for our organization, she says. Its not a part of our culture to not remain close in communica-tion, showing care and hugging, or sharing facial expressions with one another. Before the pandemic hit, IRRC received funding to expand their building for much needed growth. While the expansion may experience some delays, Aragutak remains hopeful that they will see an increase in programming and enjoy a larger space once the expansion is completed.Outside of her work, Aragutak has spent time travelling to places like New Zealand, South Africa and Peru to represent her community. Travelling appeals to my adventurous side, she says. The different environments, the uncertainty and the adaptability are all such an adrenaline rush for me in a very vulnerable and rewarding way. Whether travelling nationally or farther abroad, Aragutak feels that travelling allows her to paint a clearer picture of isolated Inuit communities and to show how they are starting to uphold youth in the larger decision-making process. This represents an important part of her mission. Our youth demographic is on the rise, so it is important to include them in our traditional ways while also taking into account a more modern context of where things are at today, she says. On a personal level, travelling encourages Aragutak to get outside of her comfort zone and broaden her own learning experience. In doing so, she has developed an even bigger appreciation of her own community and its strong traditions. Travelling is such an important way of giving and receiving information and it has been so special to be able to carry that within me, she says. I was really able to acknowledge and realize what we have and how close we remain to our culture and language. Ontario Native Womens Association37'