Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Sep 28/01) - Chanting "stop the violence" and "make our streets safer for women and children," about 40 people participated in last week's Take Back the Night march.

Men, women and children met up at Ingamo Hall the evening of Sept. 23. They released 115 balloons.

Of these, 53 were white and represented the number of women who have accessed the Inuvik Transition House from September 2000 to this September. As well, 73 coloured balloons symbolized the number of children who have been in the transition house during the same period.

Having released the balloons, marchers went along Mackenzie Road, before turning onto Distributor Street and trooping into the Aurora College gym.

Ann Kasook, executive director for Inuvik Transition House, thanked those present for helping raise awareness about violence and abuse.

"It takes all of you here to show that you care, to show that you care for your loved ones and for your children," Kasook said.

"We need to break that silence because our children learn what they live. I really believe we need to end that cycle."

She said many people in the Delta know of someone who has died from violence.

"Violence doesn't only happen to women," Kasook said.

'"We need to pull together and care for one another. Each one of us here really makes a difference tonight."

She explained to those gathered the significance behind releasing the balloons.

"We release them hoping that they are going to be set free from the violence and start having a healthier lifestyle, and to fly free, which we all deserve to do," Kasook said.

"I know we can change the negatives into positives, but it's going to take a lot of hard work and caring people."

A candlelight vigil was held at the gym, during which Marlo Allen read a short, fictitious story about a girl who is killed by her abusive father.