SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - An aboriginal wrestling group was in Yellowknife last week trading body slams and offering advise on staying away from drugs.

Robby Reckless, left, and Micky Libre face off during a wrestling match held at Weledeh Catholic School last Wednesday. - Adrian Lysenko/NNSL photo

Ernie Todd, a professional wrestler of Metis descent from Winnipeg, Man., came to the city March 4 to encourage students at Weledeh Catholic School to avoid peer pressure and stay in school.

"I talk to them about making positive choices," said Todd.

"I meet with the principal beforehand and we talk about certain issues they would like me to discuss with the students, whether it's staying in school or educating them about dangerous drugs and alcohol abuse."

Merril Dean, the schools' principal, said drug abuse is a serious issue in Yellowknife.

"The reality is we recently had a 13-year-old girl who passed away from drug use," said Dean, referring to Savannah Mackenzie, a student a K'alemi Dene School in Ndilo, who died Feb. 25.

"Older students are exposed to drugs and alcohol."

Todd was accompanied by several young wrestlers from the federation, all claiming to be drug-free. They included Robby Reckless, Ricky Ray Racet and TJ Thunder, who also talked to students about making positive choices in their lives.

"It's important for students to hear about positive lifestyle choices other than from teachers," said Dean. "The students spend a lot of time with us. It's good to bring in other people, especially if they are role models."

Todd said he has seen the effects drugs have on youth first-hand.

"I've seen what goes on with the gangs, girls on the street and I think it's terrible," said Todd.

"My presentations are unique and I make it real for the kids."

After giving his presentation the students were treated with a couple of wrestling matches.

Despite 10 years of touring to different schools across Canada this was Todd's first visit to the Northwest Territories.

"It's nice up here and I'm actually pondering on relocating from Winnipeg," said Todd, who is considering setting up a training centre in Yellowknife for wrestlers who could speak with students.

"It would be a good opportunity for kids, there's a lot of aboriginal communities that it could be benefit."