b'YOUNG VOICESYOUNG VOICES SHAPING CHANGEBy Laura MushumanskiCrystal Martin navigates the A Martin, co-founder ofgeography of Inuit livess an Inuit person, Crystalme in learning my language, Martinher a deep understanding of how to walk shares. I am still an Inuktitut speaker. Iwith community and support others in the production companyam so thankful that [my mom was strict],good ways.Indigenous Geographic,because I am still able to communicate was taught that getting to know eachDuring her last year of high school, Martin other is how we make connections. Everywith family members and Elders. Knowingwent back home to Sanirajak for spring time I go home to my Inuit homeland,the language has strengthened Martinsbreak. Witnessing the difficult realities connection is deeply rooted in who werelationship with her culture and givenof her family and community prompted are as [Inuit] people, she says. It is just so important to have that, because when you are connected, you are sharing the same values and working together for a common purpose.Martin, whose mother is Inuk and father is of Irish and Scottish descent, spent the first 10 years of her life in Sanirajak, Nunavut. Wanting to protect their chil-dren from the suicide epidemic in their community, Martins parents moved her family to southern Ontario. This gifted Martin with the opportunity to have a different future, as many in her home community continue to also face food and housing insecurities as well as an outdated education system.Ensuring that Martin learned the Inuktitut language was important for her mother. My mom was very strict with Beendigen is here for you on your healing journey. www.beendigen.com10 Spring/Summer 2025'