Dancing all the way to Toronto Baker

Lake youth head

Seven youth from Baker Lake are headed south to take part in a dance camp and then show in Toronto as part of the Outside Looking In program.

“It’s about dancing for young Indigenous people,” said 13-year-old Vicky Nakoolak, succinctly.

Outside Looking In runs eight-month community-based dance programs in more than a dozen communities in the country, with Baker Lake being signed on last fall. The program culminates in two shows in front of audiences in Toronto.

Nathan Annanaut, recreation director for Baker Lake, connected with Outside Looking In when he wanted to provide something for youth other than the typical games, hockey and similar.

“I wanted the youth of Baker Lake to experience something different,” he said. He found wellness funding to support the program, with attendance jumping from five to more than 20 youth between the first and