While the Skills Canada Nunavut territorial competition always demonstrates young Nunavummiut have plentiful abilities and talents, this year was extra-special.

Youth converge at Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit in unprecedented numbers SA国际影视传媒� 70 competitors from 14 communities to last yearSA国际影视传媒檚 60 and 13 SA国际影视传媒� and they demonstrated they know how to step up no matter what.

SA国际影视传媒淭he competition itself runs over two days and students have only eight hours to complete their projects, which are all taking place simultaneously,SA国际影视传媒� explained program coordinator Bibi Bilodeau.

But Bilodeau says the weather in Iqaluit meant competitors had lots of spectators.

SA国际影视传媒淯sually the weather at the end of April is sunny, which means more families go out on the land on but, this year, on competition weekend, it was overcast with winds gusting to 60 km so that likely increased our audience turn-out,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

SA国际影视传媒淲hich is exciting for the students, to have an audience, but also nerve wracking.SA国际影视传媒�

Bilodeau also notes some stand-out competitors.

SA国际影视传媒淔or competitions like video production and photography, competitors only receive their final projects on the day-of so it was a competition first to have two competitors, Isaac (Strickland) and Jenny (Aqqaq), who didnSA国际影视传媒檛 know each other and be from completely different parts of Nunavut, come to together through their joint knowledge of film and editing and submit a beautiful film,SA国际影视传媒� Bilodeau said, adding Strickland and AqqaqSA国际影视传媒檚 teammates couldnSA国际影视传媒檛 attend.

Strickland reportedly said he was apprehensive about working with someone he didnSA国际影视传媒檛 know.

SA国际影视传媒�(He) almost said no,SA国际影视传媒� said Bilodeau.

But it turned out to be the best experience heSA国际影视传媒檚 had so far with Skills.

Strickland, who is from Iqaluit, and Aqqaq, from Gjoa Haven, won gold for their short film When I Walk. Together, they will go on to compete at nationals in Halifax come May 27.

Bilodeau noted other highlights, such as: every member of Arctic BaySA国际影视传媒檚 small team received medals.

Meanwhile, Alaira Sallerina of Gjoa Haven was raced to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy at the beginning of the competition.

SA国际影视传媒�(She) returned the next morning to finish her up-do in hairstyling,SA国际影视传媒� said Bilodeau.

Finally, all teams made it to Iqaluit on schedule to participate.

This 14th territorial skills competition totaled 17 categories, including high school and post-secondary levels for carpentry, outdoor engine repair, graphic design and electrical installations.

SA国际影视传媒淲ith a few exceptions, the territorial gold medalists will be moving on to the Skills Canada National Competition in Halifax May 27 to 30, representing Nunavut,SA国际影视传媒� said Bilodeau.

SA国际影视传媒淭he Nationals Skills Competition brings together students and apprentices from across Canada to compete in over 40 different trades and technology competitions so this is a huge opportunity for Nunavut students to see what other careers are out there.SA国际影视传媒�

The team heading to nationals has yet to be finalized, but Bilodeau estimates at least 17 Nunavut youth will travel to Halifax, including four at the post-secondary level in electrical, carpentry, outdoor engine repair and graphic design.

As Bilodeau notes, with practice and perseverance, youth can achieve anything.