Inuvik (Mar 20/98) - Inuvik's youth and their elders will march down Mackenzie Street tomorrow afternoon in a bid to end racism.

Saturday is the world day for the elimination of racial discrimination, and recognizing the tri-racial makeup of Inuvik and the tensions that sometimes exist, the town is putting on a special effort to commemorate the day.

On Friday afternoon at 2 p.m., all the students from SAMS and some from the high school, plus others including representatives of the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit organizations in town, will march from the NorthwesTel building to SAMS, where an assembly will be held featuring drum dancing and jigging by students and speeches by some of the local dignitaries.

Mayor George Roach says the town has observed the day in past years, but never organized events around it. He said the town wanted to take the day to another level this year.

March organizer Theresa Ross said the day before was chosen as it was easier to assemble the people for the march and said the purpose was to increase awareness on the topic.

"Because we are such a diverse town, this could be a healing thing," she said last week.

"The town has many wounds and this could be a way to build some bridges."

The assembly planned will be a short one, with the events due to be complete by 3:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to take part in the activities.