Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services

Gjoa Haven (Oct 24/05) - Students in Gjoa Haven are leading the charge in an effort to keep their community dry.

When residents head to the polls on Oct. 25, students hope their message will have been heard.

"I think it should stay dry. People get dangerous when they are drinking. I'm 16, but if I could vote, I'd vote to keep it dry," said student Nelson Takkiruq.

The vote was called after a petition with 30 names requesting that liquor be allowed in the dry community was presented to council.

Advance polls took place on Oct. 19.

After the referendum was declared, posters made by students at both schools asking residents to keep Gjoa Haven dry began to appear in the community.

"We are allowing them freedom of speech, but we are not endorsing any position. They are entitled to that right," said Qiqirtaq Ilihakvik principal John Jamieson.

Valerie Kogvik, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student, made a poster asking people to vote no in the referendum.

"It is important, because we have lived in a dry community all our lives. We want the younger kids to live like we did. We want them to be safe," explained Kogvik.

She said that she would vote no if she was 18. Kogvik sees university in her future, and is worried that her lack of experience with booze could play a part in a college experience.

"I think it will be harder for me. I've never been with people who drink so much all the time," said Kogvik.

The mayor doesn't want to pick a side, but the kids have his ear.

"The kids have been putting up posters that say 'Please say no to liquor in Gjoa Haven.' As the mayor and a parent, I have to support those kids," said Uriash Puqiqnak. "As mayor, I wonder if we are ready for (liquor in the community)."

But he will let the public decide.

"I went on the local radio a couple of times to make sure people vote," said Puqiqnak.

It looks like Puqiqnak will get his wish. All the potential voters contacted by Nunavut News/North were planning on casting a ballot.

"I think it should stay a dry community. The way it is, it's good. If it goes wet, we could have problems with alcoholics," said Josephine Kamookak.

"It should stay dry. It would be too hard on the kids. There is no shelter here for women and children. If alcohol comes in, we are going to see more kids on the street," said Lorna Jayko.

The last referendum on alcohol was in 1997, and was conducted by a show of hands at the community hall.