Yellowknife (Oct 01/03) - Some students were given the chance to learn that bullying is a serious problem.

During the bullying conference, held Sept. 26-28 at Sir John Franklin high school, 92 students were invited from schools around the city to take part in the event and get a glimpse into the seriousness of the issue. "I learned that you can solve this problem," said Trisha Comber, a Grade 5 student from Ecole St. Joseph School.

"The bully gets more power if you don't stand up for yourself," added her new friend, Shelby Benoit, a Grade 4 student from Weledeh Catholic School.

The students chosen to attend the conference, which was mainly funded by a GNWT justice committee and the Crime Prevention Centre, had to apply first and then names were drawn.

Lori Twissell, event coordinator, said that the conference was a huge success thanks to the help of the many sponsors and community businesses that donated their time.

"The workshops were all very successful and the students were really keen on the issue," said Twissell, adding the computer workshop with key note speaker Bill Belsey, seemed to be a favorite.

Belsey, president of www.bullying.org, came from Calgary to take part in the weekend event, and said that these workshops are important because the voices of kids are being heard.

"I am trying to be a facilitator," said Belsey. On my own, I don't have the answers."

Belsey explained that there are many resources unique to Yellowknife that can be used to tackle the issue of bullying, but it just takes people with determination to pull them all together.

"Sometimes people just have to look a little harder," said Belsey. "I can sense that people are ready for a change."