by Glenn Taylor
Northern News Services

INUVIK (Dec 19/97) - Victims of alleged sexual abuse at Grollier Hall have formed a committee to help in the healing process, and to prepare for difficult court trials ahead.

Three former Grollier Hall employees were arrested this year for numerous sex-related charges laid by former residents. Paul Leroux, 57, faces 44 counts of indecent assault in an upcoming trial. Jean Coumeau, 63, faces two counts of indecent assault.

A third man, Jerzy George Maczynski, 67, pleaded guilty in August to five charges of indecent assault, gross indecency and buggery. He was sentenced to four years in prison.

The group's initial focus is to "identify the immediate needs of the victims and ourselves," said Harold Cook, a self-described victim of abuse, who helped organize the committee's first meeting in Yellowknife two weekends ago.

The group also wants to help victims, "so that each is personally and emotionally prepared to give testimony," said Lawrence Norbert, also an alleged victim.

Cook, a Fort Good Hope resident, stayed at Grollier Hall -- "Sing Sing," as he describes it -- from 1962-69. "For seven years I was a victim, but I've come out now."

Cook was a popular youth in Inuvik, and was one of the rising stars of the Territorial Experimental Ski Training program, or TEST. "I skied to get away from the residence," Cook now says.

Catholic bishop offers help

The Roman Catholic Church administered Grollier Hall during the years the alleged abuse occurred. Western Arctic Bishop Denis Croteau said the church is willing to take some responsibility for the abuse, although the three men were employees of the church and not members.

The church "is connected because we hired those people," said Croteau. "The church is willing to work with people, and help those who suffered hurt."

Croteau served as priest at Igloo Church in Inuvik, from 1975-85. He said he was not aware of any abuse at the residence until 1979, when Leroux was convicted of a sex-related crime committed at Grollier.

Croteau said he was "surprised" by the charge and believed at the time the incident may have been isolated. Leroux "looked so good all across the board -- he seemed to be on top of it all. But it was clear to me after that he was guilty."

With dozens more alleged victims now coming forth, "It seems much more extensive than we thought -- it seems to have been a way of life" for the abusers.

Why were victims silent for so many years? Feelings of shame fostered a "sacred code of denial and silence," said Cook. "Nobody would have believed us either... Some spoke up, but nothing was done."

When the silence was broken, Cook said he was relieved, though surprised at the number of alleged victims who came forward. "It happened to me too -- that was my thought. I had struggled with it, been embarrassed and ashamed about it. I had lived a dysfunctional life because of it. I was drunk on the streets for awhile, and couldn't keep relationships. I had a low self-esteem."

The toll on those allegedly abused at Grollier "will likely be multi-generational... perhaps our grandchildren will begin the healing."

Cook said the group wants to appoint an aboriginal person to be their advocate in the healing process. A white male therapist from Inuvik is currently working with the group. "That's not saying anything against him -- he's doing a tremendous job," said Cook, "but some people might be hesitant to talk with him because he's a white male, just like those who abused us."

Cook said he attended the trial of Mackzynski, and "couldn't believe the arrogance he displayed... I've got training in the martial arts, and part of me wanted to take his jaw out."

Victims of abuse at Grollier can call Harold in Yellowknife at 920-4550, or Lawrence Norbert at 873-2498. Another meeting of the group is scheduled for Inuvik, Jan. 13-14.