Strengthening Youth Leadership and Cultural Wellness Across Nunavut 

In four remote Nunavut communities: Arctic Bay, Sanikiluaq, Chesterfield Inlet, and Whale Cove, the Arctic Rose Foundation (ARF) is helping Inuit youth build confidence, leadership, and connection through art. With support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada grant, ARF is expanding its Messy Book Program, an Inuit-led, arts-based afterschool initiative that empowers local youth to lead creative, culturally grounded programs for their peers. 

Creating Safe, Culturally Grounded Spaces for Learning 

In each community, high school youth are hired and trained as facilitators to deliver the Messy Book Program for younger students in Grades 5–12. These consistent afterschool sessions blend expressive arts, storytelling, and mentorship with access to nutritious food and safe spaces. Here participants can create, learn, and heal through painting, writing, and movement. Youth explore identity, language, and emotional expression while developing leadership and communication skills. These spaces are vital cultural hubs that promote mental wellness, school engagement, and belonging. Youth leaders serve as mentors and role models, strengthening community connection and building local capacity for sustained, community-led programming. 

“This grant supports the development of culturally grounded tools and processes that amplify the voices of children and youth in the Arctic Rose Foundation’s Messy Book Program. It enables meaningful in-person connections and mentorship, guided by Inuit and northern leaders, including mixed-media artists, traditional crafters, singers, dancers, cultural advocates, and mental health professionals. Through these trusted relationships, youth are encouraged to express themselves and share their stories. This year, we are excited to showcase each community’s Messy Book Program through digital and virtual storyboards.” says the Arctic Rose Team.  

Addressing Barriers to Learning and Well-Being in the North 

Inuit youth face some of the most complex barriers to education and wellness in Canada – including limited access to safe spaces, mentors, food security, and culturally relevant supports. Nunavut communities experience the country’s highest youth suicide rates, food insecurity, and school absenteeism. Many youth also struggle with the impacts of intergenerational trauma and cultural disconnection. 

The Messy Book model responds to these challenges through cultural cognizance – a process developed by Inuk artist and ARF founder Susan Aglukark, O.C., that centers healing, identity, and consistency. By providing steady access to space, mentorship, and expression, the program fosters emotional safety, confidence, and engagement in school and community life. Partners across Nunavut have observed that Messy Book improves attendance and motivation, giving students a reason to show up, connect, and learn. 

Sustaining Northern Youth Leadership with Support from the Rideau Hall Foundation 

With funding from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada initiative, ARF is deepening its work in Nunavut by training more local youth leaders, expanding program delivery to additional fly-in communities, and sharing youth-led storytelling through digital platforms. Catapult’s support ensures that Inuit youth continue to access the mentorship, resources, and cultural spaces they need to thrive. 

Beyond financial support, Catapult connects ARF to a national network of organizations dedicated to making learning more equitable and community-driven. By investing in the Arctic Rose Foundation, the Rideau Hall Foundation is helping create a network of young Inuit leaders who are shaping their futures through art, culture, and connection.