Sport has been seen to instil life skills and healthy habits in youth. We seek to use this natural potential and specifically emphasize holistic development in our programs. 

• Intrapersonal skills – self-esteem, respect, integrity, hard work, dedication, responsibility, self-awareness, engagement, empowerment
• Relational skills – communication, leadership, peer support, sense of belonging 
• Promoting a healthy lifestyle – physical training outside of volleyball, healthy eating with a large emphasis on country food
• Pride in representing their community and Nunavik

Our program distinguishes itself by intentionally focusing on psychosocial well-being. We adopt a preventative approach and provide direct interventions to support Nunavik youth across the spectrum of mental wellness. In 2020-2021, we conducted 139 direct interventions to athletes, both past and present, and local coaches.

Prevention 

• Ensure athletes feel comfortable coming to us if they have issues 
• Connect athletes with outside support systems (social services, help lines, etc) 
• Encourage and equip local coaches to identify, refer and start a dialogue with youth at risk
• Conduct workshops and open discussions on various important topics:
  • Intergenerational trauma and its impacts (past and present)
  • Healthy relationships and consent
  • Mental health issues and support services (anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation)
  • Substance abuse

Direct psychosocial intervention

• Support and counselling for individuals or groups on issues that require immediate attention
• Referral to mental health resources and other support networks (family, friends, school)
• Examples of past interventions:

• • • Crisis situations (suicidal or self-harm behaviours)
    • Family violence
    • Harmful substance abuse
    • Sexual abuse survivors 
    • Anger management 
    • Grief counselling
    • Among others

• Canada’s dark colonial history has left a legacy racism and intergenerational trauma in Inuit communities. A large majority of our athletes experience trauma in their daily lives. In acknowledging this reality, Nunavik Volleyball reflects and implements a trauma-informed approach to decrease harm and promote positive experiences.

• Coach education – self-awareness, recognition of potential impacts 
• Reduce triggers that negatively affect athletes or Nunavimmiut partners
• Ensure a safe and inclusive environment 
• Develop transparent and trusting relationships 
• Encourage peer-support and mutual support
• Promote respect and collaboration  
• Nurture empowerment, voice, and choice
• Respect for cultural, historical, and gender diversity

• The simple comment “Phil, why so serious?” had a profoundly positive impact on NVP founder and has shaped the organization’s coaching philosophy. NVP distances itself from authoritarian, rigid, or outcome-focused coaching methods prevalent in the South and instead chooses to better align with the needs of our athletes.
• Ensuring flexibility and our coaching delivery
• Accepting laughter, fun, and goofing off as a part of what draws the kids in
• Offering leniency on practice start time
• Understanding athletes missing practices because of family commitments
• Welcoming athletes younger siblings and children into the gym during practice time
• Including traditional Inuit activities to promote cultural pride
• Community meals and feasts
• Participate in traditional Inuit sports with Southern teams (at tournaments or shared training sessions)