Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

Rae-Edzo (Nov 29/99) - Chief Jimmy Bruneau school is getting a headstart on what may become a territory-wide game.

While the GNWT plans to implement a pilot project called The Real Life Game in aboriginal schools, grades 7 and 8 students in Rae-Edzo are already playing it, thanks to Chief Jimmy Bruneau guidance counsellor Diane Rombouts.

"Through this game, the students get to look at careers that are totally out of their spectrum," said Rombouts.

"They're learning about budgeting, having realistic expectations and other lifestyles."

To play the game, each student is assigned a career with a corresponding monthly salary. It could be anything from a paleontologist or restaurant manager to a biologist, woodworker or construction contractor.

The kids are also given play money to represent their wages. Before the game begins, the students are asked to make up a wish list of what they would like to own as an adult.

Grade 8 student Brian Ekendia feverishly poured over his wish list. On it was everything from computers and boats to cars, snowmobiles and a sprawling house.

"I came up with all kinds of things and I hope that I can have them all," said Ekendia.

"To get them, I want to be a businessman. That way, I can afford the things I wished for."

Rombouts said Ekendia's list was typical. One student had two houses and a cottage on his, but all lists will be shaved down when the players get their actual salaries.

"The first thing many of them bought is a snowmobile and boat. Around here, they are practical items to own," said Rombouts.

"Because we give them a wide range of salaries and jobs, not everyone is the same. Once they start budgeting, it will become clear that you can't always afford what you wish for."

Rombouts said the results will vary from community to community, and that aboriginal communities will have different outcomes than schools playing the game down south.

"There are different priorities and lifestyles among Northern communities," said Rombouts.

"They still follow many traditional values and lifestyles. In some families, the parents spend a lot of time on the land so the kids have a different focus when it comes to material wants."