Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Jan 26/00) - The main foyer of Maani Ulujuk middle school in Rankin Inlet was full of dope dealers and booze peddlers this past Thursday afternoon.

These were the worst kind of dealers, the same age and friends with the kids they were trying to coax into substance abuse.

These "dealers" however, struck out in their attempts because their targets were schooled in techniques from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.

The whole scene was a series of skits put on by a number of the 60 Grade 6 students who participated in the first DARE program offered in Rankin.

DARE is widely accepted across North America and was delivered by local RCMP Const. Brock Linaker.

The program covers such topics as peer pressure, decision making, building self-esteem and positive alternative activities young people can do instead of drugs or alcohol.

"The kids were very positive and put a lot of work into the program," says Linaker.

"They seemed to be really excited about it and I think the DARE program was well-accepted."

DARE is designed to be presented by a uniformed police officer to help build a positive relationship between students and police.

The program comes complete with homework assignments during its 17 lessons, requiring students to do some work on their own.

"The program started as one lesson a week, but it ended up being three and four a week when I found out after Christmas I was (going to be) transferred."

Linaker says the hamlet of Rankin Inlet funded him to take his instructorship for the program. It was the first time the constable delivered a DARE program.

"I have high hopes for DARE continuing in Rankin Inlet in the future.

"Our detachment, the school and the hamlet are in favour of the DARE program continuing, so, hopefully, that will be the case.

"Any program that helps us keep kids away from drugs and alcohol is worth the effort."