Pelly Bay (May 29/06) - Saying no meant yes to a trip to Edmonton for three Kugaaruk students.

To celebrate the successful DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program in Kugaaruk, the Grade 6 students had the time of their lives in Edmonton.

Fabien Qirngnuq, Kenneth Illuitok and Hailey Angutingunieq were chosen because of the hard work they did during the DARE program. From May 9 to May 12, they enjoyed Edmonton.

"They participated the most in the DARE program. They gave the best answers and they deserved it," said their teacher, Heather Crichlow.

All three reported that their favourite moment in Edmonton was spent at the West Edmonton mall, riding the roller coaster.

The trip wasn't entirely theme parks. They managed to sneak in some education as well. The three visited the Valley Zoo and the science museum.

A visit to the Grade 6 class at Lynnwood Elementary school was another highlight, with the students presenting aspects of Inuit culture to students their own age. Unfortunately, there had to be a little improvising because the drums for drum dancing were left behind in Kugaaruk by mistake.

Crichlow joined the students on the trip as a chaperon, and was thrilled with the support they received from Kugaaruk.

"The RCMP picked up most of the tab. The district education authority kicked in and First Air provided some discounted tickets. By staying with the senior administrative officer's daughter in Edmonton, the trip became more affordable."

Aside from teaching students at the school, the Kugaaruk kids sat in on the rest of the classes as well. It was a different education for them.

"It was good, the kids were focusing. I was a little scared when I had to present, but I just went up," said Angutingunieq.

"They were neat. It was different; really big with long halls," said Illuitok.

"They were nice. I told them about drum dancing, but I couldn't dance without my drum," said Qirngnuq.

A major focus of the DARE program is teaching kids how to say "no" when offered drugs. These students remember there are many ways to say no, just like they were taught.

Illuitok is a fan of "Just say no and walk away", while Qirngnuq favours "No, it's not good for me."