Mark Sandiford and Kerri Wheatley recently returned from research visits to three Nunavut communities to gather data for the ArcticNet research on the Transformation of High School Education in Nunavut.

On February 9, 2012 Mark and Kerri travelled to Pangnirtung. While in the community, Mark offered a hands-on filmmaking workshop where the basics of planning, filming and editing a scene were explored. To encourage the participants to continue filming, a small camcorder and microphone kit was donated to the Youth Council. Following the workshop, five youth were interviewed on their experiences related to education.

After a very successful six days of data gathering in Pangnirtung, the team travelled to Iqaluit where they connected with Fiona Walton and Darlene O’Leary, who were organizing a leadership workshop at the Piliriqatigiinniq Teachers’ Conference.In addition, Fiona interviewed 2009 MEd graduates about their experiences in post secondary education.

Mark and Kerri then flew to Rankin Inlet on February 17, 2012 with Nikki Eegeesiak, Executive Director, Nunavut Coalition of DEA’s. In Rankin Inlet Adriana Kusugak joined the research team. In her role as a community researcher, Adriana was instrumental in organizing youth participants. Her help was greatly appreciated.

While Rankin, despite the threat of a blizzard, Mark held a second film workshop. In addition to the workshop, Mark and Kerri interviewed six young people with very diverse experiences in their high school education. They were also fortunate to be able to interview Pujuut Kusugak both about his experiences in education as well as his role as a community leader.

This recent trip was a success. The interviews with Nunavut youth will become a major component of the second year of the ArcticNet funded research project.