by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 27/97) - RCMP across the North are heading back to the classroom to learn northern language and culture.

The six-month pilot project, started earlier this month, is running in Rae, Gjoa Haven, Resolute Bay and Arviat. The idea is to put 24 officers more in touch with their communities.

Gjoa Haven RCMP Const. Mike Luciak, who is learning Inuktitut, said the program can be nothing but positive for the members involved.

"I look forward to learning the language. It's an excellent project."

Luciak, one of two officers in Gjoa Haven learning the language, said it will go a long way toward eliminating the need for interpreters and make for a better, more informal relationship with the community.

Ledwina Porter of Gjoa Haven is teaching the language to Luciak and Cpl. Randy Serhan.

"It will help everyday investigations," he said. "We'll be able to go to a house and we won't have to wait for a translator to ask simple questions. A lot of the contacts we can make on our own."

Luciak doesn't know how long it will take before he's fluent in the language, but said he's willing to put in the hours until he's at least comfortable with it. Classes run for two hours, twice a week.

RCMP training division Sgt. Andrew Boland, based in Yellowknife, said the program will give each member specialized, local training about their community.

"Members are instructed as they see fit -- at home or on the land -- it doesn't matter," he said. "Local people and resources are employed in the spirit of tailoring our service to our client's needs."

Boland predicted the program will spread across the North. "If successful, this project will be expanded to include each settlement in the NWT."

Luciak said early indications in his community are that it will be a mainstay in Gjoa Haven.

"In the way of social acceptance, it will be beneficial," he said. "It's good to learn the language and the culture as many of us will be in these communities for two or three years."