Opening party of Nunavut's Representative for Children and Youth office

The opening party of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth in Nunavut, was, of course, entirely for kids.

The event at Nakasuk school in Iqaluit attracted more than 200 kids and parents with its free hotdogs and t-shirts, music from the Daniel Kolola Band, games of tag and candy toss.

But the evening was not without itsmessaging about the office's mandate.

"The office is a conduit between children and youth and their families, and government," said Sherry McNeil-Mulak, who is serving as the representative for children and youth in Nunavut.

"We raise issues to government's attention that are affecting [kids] both on an individual basis and a systemic basis."

The RYC office will operate arms-length from the government. While it's not mandated to provide programming, it does ensure kids have access to government programming. On an individual level, McNeil-Mulak's office helps kids understand their rights, and coaches them how to advocate for themselves.

The office works with toddlers up to 25-year-olds, setting it apart from the longstanding National Inuit Youth Council, which works with 15 to 30-year-olds. But NIYC president Maatalii Okalik says despite the different mandates, issues identified by the RYC can be brought to Inuit Organizations through Okalik.

"That's one way we can work together. We both understand the connection between children and youth, and in the interest of raising stronger and healthy families, it starts with the children," Okalik said. "We're finding Inuit youth are interested in strengthening their language and culture, they're keen on doing well in school and they want to be contributing members of society."

Okalik said the apparent recent rise in cases of vandalism involving youth is a cry for help, and the RYC office is now an outlet to turn to.

The office of Nunavut'schildren and youth representativeopened earlier this month.