Young Inuit from communities across Canada spent a week this month discussing issues of importance to them at a summit in Nain, Nunatsiavut.

The summit had several goals: give an opportunity for Inuit youth to gather and talk openly, learn leadership skills, build cultural connections and develop priorities for the National Inuit Youth Council.

Arviat's Ruth Kaviok, 19, who leads the council, said each of the topics discussed at the summit SA国际影视传媒� from suicide prevention to education and culture SA国际影视传媒� were of equal importance.

Kaviok recently graduated from John Arnalukjuak High School. She was elected as president of the council earlier this summer.

SA国际影视传媒淚t was a really good experience,SA国际影视传媒� she said of the summit.

SA国际影视传媒淚'd strongly encourage any youth who are interested to attend in the future.SA国际影视传媒�

More than 100 youth took part in the summit, which entered its 11th year this summer. The summit included five days of speakers, activities and entertainment.

As the summit opened, participants were welcomed by an uplifting message from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

SA国际影视传媒淵ou're not the leaders of tomorrow SA国际影视传媒� you're the leaders of today. You're already making a difference in the lives of the people around you,SA国际影视传媒� Trudeau said via video.

SA国际影视传媒淵ou have immense power to make positive change and I have no doubt that each of you will find your own unique way to do it.SA国际影视传媒�

Youth who attended the summit came from the four Inuit regions overseen by the council: Inuvialuit, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.

Kaviok said she has found her confidence growing since joining the council and the summit was a way for her to voice her own thoughts and concerns.

SA国际影视传媒淚t really helps you to give voice to how you feel,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Kaviok says the summit was also important because it gave her a chance to listen to the concerns and desires of her peers.

SA国际影视传媒淏eing involved with the National Inuit Youth Council has helped me,SA国际影视传媒� she said, SA国际影视传媒渂ecause I've been able to learn more about what youth want.SA国际影视传媒�
Following the summit, Kaviok said the council will be developing a strategic plan based on what they heard from youth over the course of the week.

Although there isn't a clear timeline for that plan yet, Kaviok said she expects it to be released soon.

The National Inuit Youth Summit ran from July 31 to Aug. 4.