One of the BRCC’s strategic priorities is to encourage Nunavut’s youth to participate in the business community through entrepreneurship or the general workforce, as well as encourage, motivate and prepare youth to take an active role in the development of Nunavut’s economy.

The BRCC lobbies on behalf of youth in the areas of training and entrepreneurship, and acts as a conduit of information. Much of what the chamber does can be seen in the programs we develop, organize and support. Some examples of these programs are:

Nunavut Youth Conference
This two day event brings at least 2 youth leaders from every community in the Baffin Region to Iqaluit for discussions and presentations on a wide variety of topics, including training, entrepreneurship and the role of youth in the future of Nunavut.

Presenters also help the youth realize how Nunavut came to be what it is today, and what needs to be done to help it prosper in the future.

In 2009 the conference allowed other organizations to get feedback from the youth in areas such as program development, career training and employment opportunities.

Junior Achievement
This organization helps young Canadians discover leadership, entrepreneurial and workforce readiness skills so they can achieve their highest potential as citizens of our global community.

CED Week Trade, Service and Career Fairs
A major component of these events (created and coordinated by the BRCC) is the Career Fair. A wide variety of employers travel to the communities to discuss the opportunities available for youth. As well, career counselors, educators and others help to inform the youth about their options, and the support available for training and education.

Canada World Youth
This 6-month program for 17–24 year-old youth, allows them to spend 3 months in a community in Canada, followed by 3 months in a community in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, or Latin America. This is a unique opportunity to become involved as a volunteer, discover other cultures, learn another language, and become a true citizen of the world. Canada World Youth is one of the few organizations in the world offering a program in two stages: one in Canada and one overseas. In addition to exploring a different part of the world, youth gain a better understanding of their own country. They’ll be able to put their experiences in both regions in better perspective and learn how other young people perceive their own country.

Northern Youth Abroad
This program allows northern youth aged 15 to 21 living in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories an opportunity to acquire professional skills and training, hands-on work experience, and high school credits through a cross-cultural work and learning experience in southern Canada and abroad.

E-Spirit
E-Spirit is an Internet-based national Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition with online modules, mentoring and business plan templates for aboriginal youth in Grades 10-12. This program is designed to increase aboriginal youth participants’ awareness of entrepreneurial/business opportunities, management/business skills, and e-commerce and technological capacities.

Skills Canada Nunavut
This organization provides venues for young people to explore the many opportunities available in skilled trades and technology careers. Skills Nunavut works in partnership with private and public sector partners, helping address the north’s need for a skilled workforce, through a variety of unique events such as Cardboard Boat Races, Chariots of Champions (Cardboard Qamutiq Races), Skills Clubs and Territorial Skills Competitions.

Up With People
This program addresses the very real need for young adults and leaders who have global perspectives, intercultural understanding, knowledge of worldwide social issues, leadership skills and a dedication to community service. Through its 6-month program, participants experience personal growth, leadership training, service learning and performing arts as they travel through three continents. For many students, it’s a global education that lasts a lifetime; for others, it’s a life-transforming experience.