Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 03/99) - Kivalliq is reaping benefits from the first all-Inuit troop in Northern history to graduate from the cadet training program at the RCMP Training Academy in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Three of the new constables are posted in Kivalliq communities, with Ben Williams and Kevin Sudlovenick posted to Rankin Inlet and Joe Baines to Arviat.

Instructor Cpl. Lil Morris says the cadets completed 24 weeks of training, putting in a lot of extra time on top of their regularly scheduled program.

"Our training is based, basically, on adult learning," says Morris.

"A lot of the work had to be done after hours. There was a lot of group work, a lot of team effort.

"It's a lot of work, but that's primarily what the course is all about, hard work."

The new officers went through the same training course as any other cadet, although there were some allowances made for English as a second language.

Morris says the course went very well. Of the 10 cadets who started, eight graduated -- two from the west and six from Nunavut.

All the graduating officers have been posted and are now on the job.

Morris says one of the big benefits graduates will bring into Nunavut communities is that they will be role models for others in the community who might be thinking of joining the force.

"There's so many positives in what they accomplished. Having Inuktitut as their principal language will be a tremendous benefit to them in their policing efforts.

"Being able to speak the primary language of the communities they're policing will make communications that much easier."

Richard Tatty joined the force from Arviat, where he had moved from Rankin Inlet about eight years ago.

He says overall, the program was pretty much what he expected.

Tatty had begun training a year ago, but had to withdraw due to injury after three months.

He returned to Arviat to work as a community constable for a year before starting his training again.

"At first, when I signed up, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into," says Tatty.

"But, I decided to give it a try and after starting training I realized that's what I wanted to do."

Tatty says it might be tough starting his career in Iqaluit, but the experience will benefit him in the long run.

He says he's happy to be at work and on the streets.

"After being in Regina, things kind of slowed down to the point where I felt I was starting to think about things too much.

"I'm very happy to have been a part of the first all-Inuit troop to graduate.

"We're getting a lot of attention and it's a pretty good feeling."