Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Panniqtuuq (June 03/02) - It's a familiar story: what the government won't do, citizens do themselves.

Such was the case with Panniqtuuq's annual spring camp. Despite repeated pleas for funding sent to several government departments and Inuit organizations, it was the community that came through in the end.

Only one government department and one Inuit agency expressed any interest.

While the lack of support leaves organizer Donald Mearns angry and wondering where the benefits are for beneficiaries, he's pleased with how the hamlet rallied around its youth.

"The reassuring thing is there are people who believe in what we're doing," said Mearns, the vice principal of Attagoyuk school in Panniqtuuq. "They put their money where their mouth is even if the government won't."

Specifically, between hamlet businesses and individuals, the spring camp received donations of 90 gallons of gas, food and $3,500 in cash.

That, combined with $24,500 from the Kakivak Association, the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, meant the camp was as successful as ever.

The volunteer efforts of the students' parents also made the event run smoothly. Some 400 students from both Panniqtuuq schools spent time at the traditional camp between April 22 and May 10.

Mearns said they were going to scale back the camp to fit the budget, but decided not to let the lack of support affect what is considered a valuable experience for the community's children.

"We said dammit, we'll make it happen somehow. If they're not going to give us money, we're not going to give up. They're not going to beat us," said Mearns.

Students participated in floe edge activities and spent time with elders gaining knowledge about Inuit culture and climate change. They also helped conduct scientific studies into persistent organic pollutants and many harvested their first caribou or seal. "Some of it seems simplistic, but there is tremendous learning going on," said Mearns.

While he's happy to ride on the coat-tails of success from the camp for a moment or two, Mearns wants to figure out how to get government and Inuit organizations to actually set up programs that develop healthier communities.