AUSUITTUQ/GRISE FIORD - Past and present members of Grise Fiord's community justice committee were recognized for their dedication and hard work by representatives of the Department of Justice at a community feast on March 5.

"I wanted to thank them and show the appreciation of the Department of Justice," said Al Hartley, director of the community justice division in the Department of Justice.

North Baffin community justice specialist Mary Krimmerdjuar invited Hartley to the event.

Larry Audlaluk, who sat on the committee from 1988 to 2009, and his wife Annie Audlaluk, who supported the committee's efforts for 21 years, were thanked for their years of service. Anne Akeeagok was recognized for sitting on the committee for the same period of time.

Lymeekee Kakkik was recognized for his 11 years of service. Liza Ninguik, who continues to sit on the committee, was recognized for her commitment to the cause for the last 20 years.

"They are community role models," said Geela Qaapik, justice outreach worker in Grise Fiord. Certificates were handed out and the community got together for a feast of caribou stew.

Community justice committees divert cases from the courts and the RCMP by resolving conflicts and relatively minor crimes at the local level. The committee offers youth and adult offenders the opportunity to participate in community justice forums, traditional counselling or to perform community service.

"It gives people in conflict the opportunity to resolve their difficulties and have their needs met and move on with their lives in a more productive way," said Hartley.

Members help plan crime prevention activities in the community and raise awareness on what the committee does. The committee also helps facilitate a net-making program for men and sewing programs for young girls and women.

Qaapik said these programs help establish healthy relationships between individuals and the greater community.

The programs also re-connect offenders with their identity and ancestry, according to Hartley.

"It is about doing something that connects you to your past and talking about our present situation," he said.

During the visit to Grise Fiord, Krimmerdjuar went on the radio to talk to members of the community about the role of the committee and how it works. Presently, the committee only has three members. Efforts were made to recruit new individuals.

In small communities, Hartley said, there are dynamics that make it difficult for individuals to work on the committee.

"It really takes someone who is very courageous, self-confident and who believes in the good of this to be on the committee," he said.