Departments
Mayor's Office
Youth
The initiative was created to help bring more activities and opportunities to the youth of the Northwest Arctic region. Strategic Planning
· Youth involvement plan developed and implemented for commissions
· Ways to reintroduce and expand Inupiat language/culture within schools and whole communities explored
Current programs
Youth Leaders-The program:
Youth will go to peers before adults; peer influence is strong and is effective for change. Positive influence and encouragement will guide and strengthen our youth. Emphasis is on leadership and empowering the student to be more responsible in their schools and be more active positive role models. Currently our strongest priority has been crisis response at sites. First year, training the students and getting them comfortable with embracing their power, relationship building between the principals, teammates and getting comfortable utilizing them in the schools, advertising the teams and their mission, increasing healthy and positive activities at sites and in villages and connecting with local resources and improving the involvement of parents in schools.
Youth Assembly:
It has become increasingly important to include our youth as a representative and advisor to our boards and commissions within the Northwest Arctic Borough. We recognize the need to provide leadership and mentorship to our youth to build on their strengths. Our current representatives are Kristen Nicki Foster of Noatak and Roselynn Custer of Ambler. Representatives attend all Assembly Board meetings and gatherings. They are not members voted in so they do not vote within the assembly, their opinion is highly valued and able to weigh decisions. We urge youth to take back information that is learned and gathered through their experiences to further help youth understand the dynamics of municipalities.
Kristen Aullaqsruaq Walker
Assistant to the Mayor/Youth Developmental Specialist
Northwest Arctic Borough
(907)442-2500 Ex102 or
(907)442-2930 Fax