Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services
Inuvik (May 14/01) - Nuvialuit collected the benefits of a successful business year last week, but it was a small reward for those best by social problems.
The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation made a $52.5 million profit last year which meant that each of the 3,173 registered beneficiaries received $850.49.
A line of people dangled out the door of the Ingamo Friendship Centre May 9 as Inuvialuit queued for cheques. It was a day of celebration for some.
The liquor store did a brisk business and that night police cells were swamped.
"About 20 people were arrested for public intoxication," said Cpl. Jeff Hurry.
"Most people don't deserve to go to jail, they need to go to a detox centre to sober up."
Hurry said the average number of people in the drunk tank is about five on a weekday. The average on the weekend is 20 but the previous weekend there were 50 in the cells.
Peggy Jay, IRC communications advisor, said that "we don't have a right to tell those people how to spend it. The only thing we can do is encourage them to spend it wisely."
Distribution cheques are available to beneficiaries over the age of 18. Most of the after-tax profit is re-invested in the company.
The Inuvik Alcohol Committee, which runs the Turning Point counselling centre, is looking for partners to fund a 30-day treatment program.
"What would you do if you got a $50 cheque?" said Derek Lindsay, chair of the committee.
"Would you go out and party? Twenty years ago I would have. But if they have really misguided ideas on how to spend that money then we have got only one solution...We still have a big problem to attack and I don't know how we are going to do it."
Lindsay said the centre's resources are being crushed under the influx of people.
Many Inuvialuit beneficiaries acknowledge the social problems the money brings, but many say the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
"I think it helps out in the long run," said Jenny Harrison after she picked up her payment. "It's something to fall back on."
"The distribution is theirs do with whatever they want," she said.
"(Treatment programs) are advisable but when you work for a cheque, you do with it what you want and this is the same thing."
