June 30, 2011 - Youth Ambassadors from across the Northwest Territories will get the opportunity next week to showcase examples of NWT culture and a Canadian tradition to Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

As part of the official welcome to the Northwest Territories, taking place at Somba K’e Civic Plaza, Youth Ambassadors will demonstrate traditional games including the airplane, one and two–foot high kick, and the Alaskan high kick; and participate in a friendly game of ball hockey against youth from the Side Door youth centre in Yellowknife. Ten Youth Ambassadors from seven communities representing all NWT regions will be involved in the demonstrations.

The GNWT’s Youth Ambassador Program provides participants with a structured volunteer experience at significant national and northern events. Youth Ambassadors come from communities all across the NWT and include Dene, Inuit and non-Aboriginal individuals.  They have demonstrated traditional Aboriginal games at events such as the 2011 Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure Show and last year’s Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

“Our Youth Ambassadors provide real life examples of how young men and women can stay in touch with their cultures and traditions, cultivate a volunteer ethic and make healthy lifestyle choices,” said Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Minister Responsible for Youth Robert C. McLeod. “They are preserving and showcasing important parts of their Dene and Inuvialuit heritage while serving as role models for younger generations.”

Following their demonstrations and hockey game, Youth Ambassadors will gather at the Side Door from 2 – 4:30 p.m. to meet youth from Yellowknife who benefit from the centre. The event will include an informal meet-and-greet with information about the Youth Ambassador Program, a performance by the Paulatuk drummers and dancers and a chance for youth to try their hand at the traditional games.

Through its Building Our Future Initiatives, the GNWT has invested $20 million over four years to expand programming for children and youth including activities like the Youth Ambassadors program and youth centers, activities to improve educational outcomes, and supporting early childhood development. These initiatives promote the long term well being of NWT residents, and advance the 16^th Legislative Assembly’s goal of healthy educated people.

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