Karen Lander
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 04/98) - It's that time again when we not only begin a new year, but are expected to make those personal vows known as New Year's resolutions.

"If you put your heart into it, and you really want to do it, I believe you can accomplish your goals," and make your resolutions a reality, says Kevin Niptanatiak, a finance officer for the hamlet of Kugluktuk who has resolved to better his education in 1999.

"My ultimate goal is to go back to university and finish my engineering course," Niptanatiak said.

Fort Good Hope's Alphonsine McNeely has a few resolutions too. McNeely, who works as a band councillor, a trustee on the education board and is also the recently-elected president of the Native Women's Association, has declared it's the deadly habit of cigarettes that she will give up in 1999.

"It's going to be a challenge to quit smoking," she admitted. Other resolutions she's made include becoming better organized, getting into shape and to continue to be kind and loving towards others.

In Cambridge Bay, it seems to be improving one's health that some residents are vowing to tackle in the coming year and what better person to lead the way than the community's mayor? Wilfred Wilcox said without a doubt he's going to try to quit smoking, among other things.

"It's going to be hard, but I'm going to keep at it," said Wilcox of his plan to `butt out,' adding that he is also looking to keep a positive attitude and looking forward to the creation of Nunavut.

Over in Iqaluit, Jenny Gilbert, a travel agent at Qamutik Travel, is also determined to quit smoking.

"I think I have the same resolution every year, sometimes I quit for 3-6 months and I start again," she said.

For Annie Goose, a Holman resident, resolutions are a no go.

"I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, I believe in a day-to-day living and looking up to my higher power," Goose said, adding, "I failed to live through keeping up with those New Year's resolutions. If you just say them and it doesn't come from the heart, it won't work."

Inuvik resident Patrick Gesret also had his doubts for making resolutions.

"I think it's a good idea, but a lot of people don't stick to them, that's why I don't make them. I just take it as it comes."