Yellowknife (May 05/06) - After three years with a full-time employee, the Inuvik Interagency Committee may find itself reverting back to being a volunteer organization.

Alana Mero, left, is chair of the Inuvik Interagency Committee, and Yoenne Ewald was hired by the committee to organize meetings and oversee the day to day operations. The committee office has now closed due to funding shortages, which could affect projects being offered in the community. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

For the past three years, the committee has received $100,000 a year from the territorial government's Social Agenda Community Demonstration Program. That one-time funding has run out and that means the end for the committee's one job.

Alana Mero, chairperson of the committee, said the organization has had to lay off Yoenne Ewald, who has been an employee of the committee since January 2005.

"Without an employee, the committee returns to being a volunteer organization only," said Mero.

Now, the committee's ability to address community concerns will be greatly reduced from what it has accomplished in the last three years, said Mero.

The interagency committee is a non-profit network of representatives from within the community who work toward social change.

Their efforts in the past have led to the establishment of the Inuvik Food Bank, the suicide hotline, and the New Beginnings alternate school for youth. Mero said the success of the committee is largely attributed to Ewald and her dedication to the organization.

Ewald said the position is needed because it bridges the gap between ideas and action.

"I'm sad to see it go back to a volunteer basis because these projects are something the community can grow from," said Ewald.

Some of the projects in the works include an online resource directory for Inuvik.

The directory would list services in the community such as substance abuse programs, family counselling and other things that may be needed by people in town.

Ewald also plans the meetings for the committee, held once a month, to discuss topics that need to be addressed. "It's like a round table discussion about what is happening in town," said Ewald of the meetings.

She said that if the committee reverts to volunteers, it may affect people coming to the table to discuss their ideas.

The committee has an open membership, which ranges between 60 and 85 members.

Each monthly meeting agenda is sent out by Ewald electronically to a long list of recipients. "Some attend the meetings and others just e-mail back and forth to communicate," said Ewald.

Proposals and letters of support have been sent out to businesses and community organizations who may be able to assist with the shortfall.

Ewald said the committee is open to new ideas and welcomes people who are interested in promoting community wellness.

"Our hope is that our members can come through for us," said Ewald.