Sex offenders have some of the highest rates of re-offending compared to other criminals.

These crimes are violent, repulsive and abhorrent and the criminals typically target the weakest members of our society or use violence to control their victims.

That's why everyone should welcome the National Sex Offender Registry that went into effect on Dec. 15, 2004.

People convicted of crimes that range from sexual interference to aggravated sexual assault can be ordered by the court to register for at least 10 years. They have to register annually and every time they change residence.

Some will argue the registry is just branding sex offenders and extending punishment beyond prison, parole and probation.

It's not a public record, but an extension of police criminal records, DNA data banks and other records that will help police investigate sex crimes.

Properly maintained and utilized, it won't stop sex offenders from attacking innocent victims, but it could stop repeat offenders from attacking numerous victims.

At the very least it will let sex offenders know they can no longer move to a new town and hide in total anonymity: police will know who you are and where you live.

t's difficult to comprehend death and destruction on the scale of the devastation around the Indian Ocean.

The earthquake and resulting tsunamis killed at least 150,000 people and caused billions of dollars in damage on Dec. 26. Lives will never be replaced and it will take years to rebuild.

Yellowknife was touched by this tragic natural disaster, and we feared for a time that two of our own, Elsbeth and Regan Fielding, may have been swept away, too. Thankfully, they're safe and sound, far inland.

Still, Yellowknifers have answered the call to help. Kerrin's Restaurant raised $2,600 during a benefit dinner Jan. 2. The GNWT has also pledged $50,000. People are also contributing at bank branches, Wal-Mart, Tim Hortons and through the Internet and telephone to the Red Cross and other charities. Canada is one of the world's foremost contributors, with $80 million in federal funding so far including sending the Canadian Forces' disaster relief unit to Sri Lanka. Millions more were donated by provincial governments and average citizens.

It just goes to show that when there's a need, Yellowknifers, and Canadians in general, are ready to open their hearts and their wallets.

Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News

It was more than a little interesting to interview our first two editors, as I begin my seventh year at the helm of the Kivalliq News.

I shared a number of their worries my first four years in Rankin Inlet, especially fretting about the weather on a weekly, if not daily, basis.

I also share most of their sentiment on the warm-and-welcoming aspects of the region, but I wouldn't try to fool anyone by saying every organization in the Kivalliq remains happy to see the editor of the Kivalliq News coming its way.

That being said, the paper has grown a great deal during the past decade, as has the region itself.

A few years back, a close friend and fellow journalist asked me what the attraction was here.

In short, what makes me want to stay?

I told him there are a number of reasons, but three stand out the most.

First and foremost, I have come to feel at home in the Kivalliq.

The vast majority of people in Rankin Inlet have welcomed my family and I into the community, like us or not, based on our merits as human beings.

It did take me a few years to understand those who only saw three white faces arrive in December 1998 and that they will always only see white faces when they look at us.

But they are by far the minority.

Another reason I gave was my time spent at local arenas.

Although I played hockey my first few years in Rankin, I revived my refereeing career and have worked hard for the past four-plus years to help further develop the officiating program here.

There's still work to be done and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Thirdly, and most importantly to me, you could spend a lifetime in journalism and never get the opportunity to have a ringside seat to a people's first attempt at self-governance.

While my job description dictates I must view certain proceedings with a critical eye, the vast majority of regular readers would admit the positive features within the pages of the Kivalliq News far outweigh the negative.

That is a reflection of the efforts being put forward by the people we write about.

My friend ended our conversation by asking me what the most difficult part of my job is here.

That one was easy -- resisting the temptation to become a cheerleader.

Kivalliq works hard

The people of the Kivalliq are working hard to develop their region and they should expect no less from their newspaper editor.

Honest people deserve an honest newspaper, no exceptions.

As much as I, personally, want to see Nunavut succeed, I have a duty to report on all aspects of our journey. And that, unfortunately, means a little bad mixed in with the good.

So here's to the past 10 years and the next 10 to come.

Thanks for your support along the way and we look forward to continuing our journey together.

Editorial Comment
Jason Unrau
Inuvik Drum

It was a week of feasts, Christmas concerts and old time dances as the holiday spirit hit Inuvik and the surrounding region.

Parents and family members filled Sir Alexander Mackenzie school's (SAMS) gymnasium for the students' annual concert. The great performances brought back memories from my own school days, as I am sure it did for many in the audience.

SAMS music teacher Aengus Finnan did a marvellous job and much credit must be given to him and other school staff and volunteers who helped make the event a success.

And another big shout out has to go out to the Delta Good Time Band, whose music kept the toes tappin' in the Delta, first at Inuvik's Christmas feast and the following evening at Kitty Hall in Tuktoyaktuk.

As the Tuk drum dancers opted to spend the weekend in Inuvik after performing at our feast and dance, hats off to James Rogers, Aengus Alunik and Charlie Kasook for making the trip down the ice road to play in Tuk. Had they not, Kitty Hall's community feast and dance would have been lacking that vital musical component.

And the people in Tuk showed their appreciation by dancing well into the evening.

For all of you kids out there who think that what you learn in school today will never be of any use in the future, take note.

I used to wonder when square dancing would ever come in handy and so never paid much attention to those Phys. Ed. classes, spinning partners around, do-se-do-ing and the like.

Well, that attitude came back to haunt me this weekend as I had to sit on the sidelines of two old time dances, wishing I hadn't dismissed those dancing lessons back in high school.

That said, the energy created by the dancers and musicians at Inuvik's recreation hall and Tuk's Kitty Hall was satisfying in itself. When the room gets spinning with bodies moving to the sound of old time fiddling, the infectious pulse is hard to ignore.

It was wonderful to see the community spirit here and in Tuktoyaktuk. There's nothing like great food and dancing to lift the spirits, and to see so many elders out taking part says something about the restorative power of music.

So, as we reflect on the past year - with its good and bad - this is the time to focus on the positive.

There is a lot happening in the region and things are only going to get busier as we head into 2005. As the Christmas season tends to make us think about what really matters in life, hopefully we can take some of that holiday cheer into the coming year.

Whatever your plans are for this Christmas, the Inuvik Drum wishes you and yours a safe and happy holidays.

So keep your eyes on the mistletoe and please don't drink and drive, as we want to see all of you safe and sound in 2005.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh cho Drum

For the fortunate among us, the Christmas holidays are a time to feel every bit as blessed as we do at Thanksgiving.

Here in the Deh Cho, we have much for which we can give thanks. Of course there are the presents under the tree, but that's just a start.

Teachers and students rehearsed for weeks to perform cheerful Christmas concerts that put smiles on many a face. Way to go.

In Jean Marie River, relatives attending the school concert received a personalized DVD containing photos of the special student in their lives. The children spent hours arranging the elements of the DVDs and Brian Jaffray, of the Dehcho Divisional Board of Education, was up 'til the wee hours of the morning putting the finishing touches on the disks. There were some parents who were really touched by the gift.

A tip of the cap as well to the Friendship Centres in Fort Simpson and Fort Providence. They are bastions of support for many people throughout the year, offering various programming and a drop-in centre for youth. At Christmas, their hamper and food bank programs can make a huge difference in the lives of many.

The same can be said of churches. They quietly help others year round.

No food bank or Christmas hamper program would be successful without donations from individuals. There are numerous generous people in the Deh Cho communities. Frank Letcher, who is featured in this week's Coffee Break would certainly qualify. Can you imagine spending 300-400 hours on a project that you're going to give away? Sure he's retired, but that's still a remarkable gesture.

There are countless other folks who, without fanfare, make the holiday season brighter. Thanks to you all. Even the federal government must have felt the giving spirit by choosing not to sever negotiations with Dehcho First Nations. Instead, Andy Scott, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, reportedly reaffirmed Ottawa's commitment to work through existing differences with the Deh Cho (even if he did push First Nations' leaders to suspend their lawsuit). Perhaps Santa will find a gift in his bag for the minister.

Hands-on learning

The Chariot of Champions contest at Thomas Simpson school was a reminder that trades programs possess great value. Vocations such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, mechanics and others are generally not high profile in the Deh Cho because there's little in the way of designated training facilities in communities.

While it's not practical to suggest that each school should have an industrial arts program, students somehow need to be encouraged to consider trades as career options.

The enthusiasm that the adolescents showed in designing and constructing their cardboard sleds for last week's competition spoke volumes.