The Power of Positivity

Words and photos by Nathalie Heiberg-Harrison

It’s hard to describe Frederick Arey. He’s a hamlet councilor. He’s vice-president of the Aklavik District Education Authority. He’s president of the Aklavik Recreation Committee and a member of the All Saints Anglican Church vestry. He works as the Employment and Training Officer at the Aklavik Community Corporation.

He’s a jigger and a dancer. His mother is Inuvialuit and Scottish. His dad, Inuvialuit and Gwich’in. He’s a role model – a leader in the making.

“Aklavik is my hometown. I’ve always believed that making a contribution to the community is important, giving back in any way possible,” he says. “I know when I’m being active within the community, there are youth that are looking up to me. They see me busy in different areas, whether it’s at community meetings, recreation events or education events.”

Frederick grew up in Aklavik, but later made the move to Inuvik and lived there for 10 years. He worked as an education assistant at Samuel Hearne Secondary School, took courses online with the University of Calgary and was involved with the Ingamo Hall youth dance group, where they practiced twice a week. In 2006 he completed the Teacher Education Access Program at Aurora College, and in 2007 completed the Leadership Certificate Program, a partnership between Aurora and Vancouver Community College.

He returned home to Aklavik five years ago, first to help out his aunt who was dealing with medical problems, and later to set down roots once again. The idea of giving back has always been intrinsic to him, he says, from growing up around so many inspiring and passionate community-minded people.

“First and foremost, I have to thank my mother Renie Arey. She is a leader in the community,” he explains. “She also played a huge role when she worked with COPE. So as a young child I always wondered, ‘Why is mom always going to meetings?’ And today I understand that.”

He says his teachers at Moose Kerr School set a strong example for him as well, like Sandra Elanik, Lorna Storr and Derek Johnson. He also had role models in Danny C. Gordon, Alex Gordon and Danny A. Gordon. In Inuvik, he says he built his leadership skills while watching mentors Roy Ipana, Gerry Kisoun and Edward Lennie help build up the community.

Five years after he made the move back to Aklavik, you can see Frederick carrying on their legacy. It’s hard to go anywhere and not see him getting involved in one way or another. This past year, he helped coordinate the Walk to Tuk “Team Never Say Die,” a group of 14 that met daily, walking laps around the town and challenging each other to get active during the coldest and darkest months of the Mackenzie Delta winter. Frederick says the Walk to Tuk is one of his favourite community activities. The first year he took part, he was even awarded the grand prize of a return trip for two to Edmonton.

“I hope to inspire the youth. They are going to be the ones who are going to be leading our community in the future, so instilling that leadership quality and the ability to be active in the community is important,” he says. “Confidence is key.”

His advice to youth, or anyone hoping to become more involved in the community, is to get involved in any way they can – big or small. “If you want to become involved you have to step up and go to community events. Even if it’s a feast or a community meeting, just go and attend and become informed about what’s happening with the community, with different issues. You’ll build from there,” he says.

“I’ve just always been that way. I’ve always had a smile on my face,” he says. “I surround myself with positive people, and you can feed off of that positive energy.”

The power of positivity, he says, can’t be underestimated. In fact, he’s counting on it.