Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 28/05) - Sam Tilley and Lily Maniapik know their audience at Inuksuk high school in Iqaluit. These two students were part of anti-tobacco protests, and used some blunt words and actions to make their point.

First, their group made 130 black snow angels throughout Iqaluit. That is the number of people who die daily in Canada from tobacco related illness.

Their second act was even more dramatic. At a set time, students throughout the school collapsed to the ground, playing dead. One by one they rose, made a statement, and returned to their place on the floor.

Using a megaphone, Tilley quoted an internal memo from tobacco giant RJ Reynolds that was also read in a Los Angelas court trial and on a 60 Minutes documentary called Tobacco Wars. "We don't smoke that shit, we just sell it. We reserve that right for the young, the poor, the black and the stupid," he sai.

After quoting the tobacco company, Tilley added, "If they don't smoke that shit, why should you."

"There were smiles and people laughing. Everyone was stunned, so we saved him for last," explained Maniapik.

These two students are a part of the Minister's Action Team on Tobacco, made up of students from around the territory. That grand title may make them sound like sidekicks to Super Shamou, but the kids think a heroic effort is needed to stop smoking in Nunavut.

"Seven out of 10 Nunavummiut smoke. That's three times the national average," said Maniapik.

While Maniapik and Tilley were waiting to be interviewed, there was a steady stream of students smoking in front of Inuksuk high school.

Three girls - ages 14, 13 and 17 - were outside for their nicotine fix. They don't want their names used because some of their parents don't know that they smoke.

You have to be 19 to buy cigarettes in Nunavut, but these under-age smokers have no problem scoring cancer sticks. They get friends or family to buy them, or they can always buy a smoke for $1 from one of their school mates.

They all thought the action team was on the right track. "It (the presentation) made me feel like I should quit, but I'm addicted," said one of the girls.

"We plan to try quitting at Christmas," said another. All three have been smoking for at least three years. The 17-year-old has been smoking for eight.

The non-smoking message often lands on deaf or addicted ears, but Maniapik thinks they made a dent.

"The junior high was good. They took more interest. It is harder to make a difference with a big group, but I hope it helped," said Maniapik.