Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Sep 14/01) - About 300 people took part here in the International FAS Day Walk and Barbecue.

The two-kilometre walk started at Jim Koe Park, went down Mackenzie Road as far as Ingamo Hall, went up to Kingmingya Road, turned at Samuel Hearne back onto Mackenzie Road, and ended back at Jim Koe Park.

Brandon Louie, left, and Joshua Staples check out the RCMP display at the International FAS Day Walk and Barbecue in Inuvik. In the background is Corp. Jeff Hurry. - Malcolm Gorrill/NNSL photo

The event was part of efforts taking place in other parts of the country to raise awareness about FAS and the resources available to affected families.

Guest speaker Hazel Nerysoo of Fort McPherson spoke about her own son who suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome.

"When we travel or anything, people stare at him because of the way he looks -- because alcohol affected him," Nerysoo said.

"In the 17 years since I had my son, I myself went through a lot of struggles to get my child where he's at today."

Nerysoo said she sometimes lies awake at night, wondering, "What does the future hold for my son?"

She reminded those assembled that FAS is preventable, and to not underestimate the power of their actions.

Back in the spring, Grade 5 students at Sir Alexander Mackenzie school took part in a poster contest of FAS. Four winning posters were awarded on Sunday.

The winning artists were Nikolina Vukorepa, Ashlyn Krutko, Christopher Ellsworth and Kristen Dick.

Angie MacNeil, public health nurse and member of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Committee of Inuvik, said in an interview, that she was pleased with the turnout.

"We hopefully made a difference," MacNeil said.

The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Committee of Inuvik had a display up, as did Turning Point and the Inuvik RCMP. The Anglican Church took care of cooking the food.

The Inuvialuit Regional Corp. contributed $400 for food for the event.

MacNeil said that next year perhaps similar events could be held in other communities served by the Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board.