A young aspiring leader from Sundre is the only student from Alberta selected to attend the Global Vision Arctic Youth Ambassador program later this month.
"They selected 50 youth from across Canada," said Keyanna St.Dennis.
Considering the potential pool of students from the province applying for the program includes the large populations in Calgary and Edmonton, the Grade 11 student said she is very excited as well as honoured to have been the only one chosen.
"I'm just happy to represent my community and my province."
The Global Vision Arctic Youth Ambassador program will be held Oct. 25-29 in Iqaluit, Nunavut. During her time there, St.Dennis will engage in roundtable discussions regarding northern issues such as food security, health care, environment as well as education. She will also be meeting with elders to learn about the history of Nunavut and northern culture.
"I love learning about different cultures," she said, adding the provincial school curriculum does not include much information about the Inuit people.
Finding their way of life fascinating, St.Dennis said she is also interested in the challenges faced by northern communities, including education, climate change and economy ó a jug of milk can cost as much as $12.
Participating in the youth ambassador program will provide an opportunity to develop skills to connect with people from a different culture, and she hopes to harness that experience over the many years to come.
"I would like to walk away with education and knowledge and be able to bring it back to my community."
This is not the first time St.Dennis has been involved in such an endeavour. Just last June, she attended the Global Vision National Youth Ambassador Caucus in Ottawa, along with Sundre High School student Danny Kamaleddine.
"This opportunity was born from Keyanna's work with the Sundre High Leo Club, which provided her with the skills and experiences to successfully compete in the application process," said teacher Ryan Beck, who is also the Leo Club advisor.
While Global Vision is covering half of the cost of attending, St.Dennis needs to raise about $2,750 by Oct. 25 to contribute to the trip. Although Global Vision will cover any shortfall, she would be responsible for repaying any outstanding difference and has been approaching local groups and organizations for support.
The MÈtis student who hopes to become involved in leadership looks forward to pursuing a path in provincial as well as possibly even federal politics.
"She is well on her way to success. We are very proud of her!" said Beck.
