Akutaq Williamson Bathory credits her background in speed skating with kick starting her interest in community engagement, which has resulted in the 19 year old's current leadership roles in Iqaluit, as well as determining her future course.
Beginning as an athlete at the age of seven, Williamson Bathory says it's "where I really started to grow as a person... sports helped me develop those community ties and has shown me all those aspects of life SA国际影视传媒� how to show up for others and not just yourself."
She began giving back to her community in middle school as a coach in speed skating, and became head coach for younger children when she was in Grade 12, citing the strong culture of teaching and engagement within the sport.
"Within the speed skating community, there's a lot of encouragement... especially with the Arctic Winter Games. All Nunavummiut work towards winning, and you can see how prideful Nunavummiut are [of each other], even if you don't know them. There's an excitement for your community and your peers. The last [Arctic Winter] Games were amazing for the speed skating team."
Williamson Bathory set a new record for the 500-metre race, which had previously been set in 2005.
"So that was pretty exciting," she says.
This summer, Williamson Bathory is giving back to the community in new ways by working as a counsellor for Camp Inuuqatigiisiarniq.
"I wanted to offer skills and values that maybe some families don't have," says Williamson Bathory, who has taught kids how to light qulliqs and make the oil from seal fat used for burning the traditional lamps, among other activities.
Williamson Bathory is studying sociology at the University of Calgary. She says she's interested in the subject because she wants to broaden her knowledge of how society works, and of the "connections with [Inuit] culture that we have, and the fact that Nunavut is faced with the problems of suicide and addiction." It's her belief that in Nunavummiut society, "everyone has some form of leadership in the way they contribute to their community... everyone is a leader here."
After earning her degree, which she might combine with education, Williamson Bathory intends to continue working with children and youth, perhaps in an official teaching role, which she says is a direct result of her experience as a coach. She says the relationship and benefits are reciprocal to both parties involved SA国际影视传媒� "it kind of feeds both sides."
Discussing education, Williamson Bathory says all post-secondary students preparing for the school year next month are, in fact, leaders.
"Speaking more as a collective for all Nunavummiut, [those] going off to school are taking the brave next step to leave home... they're role models for other Nunavummiut to pave the way and keep reaching for their goals," she says.
