SANIRAJAK/HALL BEACH - Square dances, musical chairs and Inuit traditional games are some of the activities a youth group is organizing to raise addictions awareness in the community, thanks to a grant it won from the National Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week campaign.

Hall Beach's Ammituq Young Team members was one of 30, out of 350 applications from across Canada, to win a $2,500 grant.

"I got so surprised. I was so happy but then again, we were amazed," said Nunia Qammaniq, the team's chairwoman.

The team's six members will hold a series of events for the whole community in Arnaqjuaq School's gym during awareness week, which runs Nov. 14 to 20 this year.

Team member Robert Morgan said they plan to play baseball, square dance and have cultural and sports activities for the youth, including Inuit traditional games.

Qammaniq and others who have recovered from drug or alcohol addictions will also speak.

The 32-year-old woman said she started drinking at age 12 and since she stopped seven or eight years ago, she feels changed and healthier.

"I thought it was fun but right now, I learn more (since) I don't drink anymore. It clears my mind. I feel like doing more things than before," she said. "Since I've quit alcohol, after maybe at least two to three months, I feel changed."

She added she wants to tell people it's a lot better to not drink or do drugs, not to mention that it's not good for your health.

The youth group's application stood out because of its focus, said Nadine McRee, community engagement officer for the National Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week campaign.

"It really stuck out to show how much the youth were taking the initiative in getting involved with it and taking the lead. It was really evident in their application," she said.

The application also proposed many basic events, such as musical chairs, the healthy millionaire or the frog game, said McRee, as well as a feast for the community. She added the youths also noted in their application it was important for them to plan the event because they want to get involved before problems occur and they think they can help.

"It really shows they are really trying to get to as many groups of people as possible. They are really taking all aspects of addictions awareness and just really going with their creativity," she said. "It was really easy to see that it definitely shone above the rest. It was an outstanding application."

David Crews, Hall Beach's director of finance, said they are extremely proud of the youth group for winning the grant.

"It demonstrates what young people can accomplish when given the opportunity. And it reflects well on the youth and also the community," he stated via e-mail.

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