Women of Influence – Crystal Martin-Lapenskie

Just wrapping up her term as President of the National Inuit Youth Council, Crystal Martin-Lapenskie was thrilled to fill the roll.  When election time came around, she passed the idea of her running for the position and received tremendous support.  Over her term, Crystal says their main focus was on the general interests of Inuit youth and the priorities that they have.  Martin-Lapenskie says the focus for the council has been much of the same over the last number of years, that being Inuit people having the highest suicide rate in Canada.  Crystal says as President, it was tough because you’re advocating for people’s lives who are on the line. In Canada the Inuit population account for 75,000.  Crystal says one thing the council has been pushing for is access to land based initiatives so Inuit youth can get reconnected with their culture, traditions, language and a connection to elders. In her interview with myFM, Crystal also talks about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.