Rankin Inlet (Apr 02/03) - The government of Nunavut is continuing in its efforts to educate employees and communities about sexual harassment and violence in the workplace.

Sheriden Barnett, a conflict resolution consultant based in Ottawa, was hired by the GN to conduct a series of workshops in Iqaluit, Iglulik and Rankin Inlet on the prevention of sexual harassment and violence in the workplace.

Barnett said the workshops dealt with identifying sexual harassment and workplace violence and their causes.

"We talked about some of the effects of this type of behaviour and the impact it can have on employees and organizations as a whole," said Barnett.

"There also tends to be spillover into smaller communities when these types of things occur."

Eight people, mostly government employees, attended the Rankin workshop.

Barnett said the GN's approach to dealing with the matter is a proactive one.

She said she was asked to present information that is in-line with the GN's policies on those issues.

"I'm a mediator, so my approach to these things revolves around communication and prevention, as well as intervention.

"For the most part, promoting and generating awareness on these issues is an effective way of preventing them from occurring."

The three workshops were attended by people from a wide variety of occupations.

Barnett said the participants were also a good blend of Inuit and non-Inuit, along with newcomers to the North and those who have lived here for a long time. She said the format of the workshop is based on drawing information from the participants and presenting information in a way that gives them the opportunity to discuss it.

"The participants can relate it to their own experiences and knowledge, and know what's important within their particular organization or community. It's a more effective approach than me just lecturing to them.

Barnett said there was discussion at each of the three workshops of situations that people have encountered at some point during the course of their careers or lives.

"Nunavut is no different. This type of behaviour exists everywhere."