Northern News Services

Arctic Bay (Jan 09/06) - Arctic Bay residents are talking about the repeated Inuujaq school break-ins last fall.

They hope communication will be the key to stopping youth from committing crimes.

Since school began mid-August of last year, 12 break-ins and two attempted break-ins have occurred at the school.

Among items stolen were two digital cameras, money, books, art supplies and the computer cleaner "Dust Busters," known to get people high if inhaled. Property damage was extensive.

Principal Bill Patykewych was able to get back the cameras and money that was not spent.

"I talked to the perpetrators and told them it was not nice, so they returned them," he said.

Recently elected Arctic Bay Mayor Darlene Willie, 25, says it's the same kids who have been committing the crimes since the beginning.

"This is beyond boredom," said Willie.

She calls the break-ins a call for help.

"The main reason they are doing this is to find these cans of compressed cleaner called Dust Busters. It's really disturbing."

Willie says the problem will not go away unless the community collaborates.

"Social services, the church, the GN, the hamlet, pastors, leaders, everyone has to help these kids," said Willie.

She did pinpoint one-on-one counselling as a particular solution.

"It would be better for a counsellor, or the wellness co-ordinator, to reach these kids with help from the community."

Community groups such as the Youth Justice Committee and the Elders Committee were accused by previous mayor Niore Iqalukjuak of being stagnant over the last few months, causing increased boredom among youth.

Justice Committee chairperson Audrey Qamanirq took offense.

"The committee is quite committed and is active and is planning to be even more so," she said.

Since February 2005, 31 cases have been referred to the committee. The committee handles young offender cases, which are often first-time offenses, and sometimes first-time offender adult cases.

It is a way for the crime to be dealt with outside the courts. The offender, the victim and the committee get together, talk about their feelings toward the crime and come up with a consequence that will satisfy all parties.

The committee is also planning to host a gathering of youth and one male and one female elder to talk about traditional values such as respect to property and each other and family kinship.

The Elders Committee has since met a few times, and made community announcements over the radio.

A community meeting was scheduled for Dec. 15, but due to the municipal election, it was postponed. It has yet to take place.