Redfish Arts Society Inc. was founded on the idea that Inuit youth (16-30+) can achieve great things and be inspired if they are given the opportunity and provided guidance and safe space to express themselves.

Through conversations and planning between the Redfish, the RCMP, Family Services and Dept of Justice, the program is intended to address the needs of the at-risk youth in the community. We could not achieve this goal without the generous support of our funders, educators, staff and those who volunteer their time and talents to working with youth.

A large portion of our youth participants are brought into the program as a “last chance” opportunity before being sent to jail. This program focuses on welding taught by a journeyman welder, but it also includes job readiness and life skills required to help participants succeed beyond the classroom. Teaching touches on literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, safety, certifications and life skills through supportive mentorship. Working closely with elders in the community ensures we are able to provide a culturally sensitive environment. We ensure all of our participants leave with as many useful certifications as will assist them in achieving gainful employment, this includes, should they so choose, CWB Certification. We have recently been approved to be a CWB testing center, the first in Nunavut.

In their educational journey, students accompany their instructor on various work calls, gaining hands-on experience in on-site problem-solving and troubleshooting. The mental survival skills they are cultivating encourage at-risk youth to engage in discussions about their challenges, fostering trust through friendship and forming enduring connections that enhance resilience and coping abilities.

To date, the program enjoys the highest attendance rate of any Inuit-based educational program in Nunavut, according to the Nunavut Department of Child and Family Services, and every single participant has remained out of jail and incident-free. Every single one of the past participants is either gainfully employed or working on furthering their education. Currently, we have participants enrolled in the GED PASS program in hopes of receiving their high school equivalency.

Red fish identifies each participants uniqueness, not every student learns at the same rate nor do they excel in the same areas. We recognize this and direct them into areas that they will enjoy, personalizing their training and certifications as such. Collaborating with B2Gold on their new Inuit Work Experience Program has significantly transformed the experience for students. Accompanied by their instructor, Mark Slatter, groups of two to three students spend a week at the Goose Lake Mine site, gaining practical on-the-job experience. This immersive opportunity enables them to experience camp life and engage in various roles within the mining industry, thereby equipping them with the skills necessary for a potential career in this field should they decide to pursue it.

We are dedicated to contributing to the community through various initiatives, including the repair of machinery and the construction of traditional tools for elders, as well as maintaining essential equipment such as sewage and water trucks and developing a new snow plow blade for the Municipality. Our efforts also extend to creating artistic installations for the community, which include benches for the cemetery, all artwork at Heritage Park, church signage, the welcome sign for Cambridge Bay, the RCMP detachment sign, a ten-foot tall Sedna sculpture, a giant Ulu, and thousands of metal fish for cruise ships, amongst many others. Our participants are enthusiastic about volunteering in community events, assisting with activities such as barbecues, festivals, and the cruise ship season or anywhere we can lend a hand.

The organization takes pride in welcoming numerous distinguished guests. Collectively, they have instructed and guided Naval officers, Army personnel, Coast Guard members, Senators, Premiers, Members of Parliament, RCMP officers, and others how to weld, enabling them to craft their own metal fish and artwork. This initiative fosters confidence and pride while establishing enduring and meaningful relationships.

Mentoring at-risk youth to transform them into respected, law-abiding, and employable community members who eventually become mentors themselves is the greatest achievement.