Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Sep 13/02) - The second annual FAS Walk was held last Sunday in Inuvik, drawing about 150 people to the streets to help raise awareness to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Eighteen-month-old Rebecca Cardinal was tuckered right out after the walk and found a cozy spot for a nap. - Terry Halifax/NNSL photos

Participants walked two kilometres from Chief Jim Koe Park to Ingamo Hall.

Later there was a free barbecue and speeches from resident caregivers and health workers.

Martin Carroll from Turning Point compared the recent news of impending war against Iraq and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to the deadly weapon served freely over the bar.

"In our midst, we have a weapon that seems to have the same destructive force that many of these other hideous weapons that we have in the world and that's alcohol," Carroll said.

"So many lives are destroyed when alcohol is used during pregnancy."

Carroll said the walk pointed to a problem that was too long kept quiet and education is needed.

"We have a very big problem in our community and we need to remind people that during pregnancy they cannot drink alcohol," he said.

He remarked on challenges to the Human Rights Act that have allowed women to drink and abuse drugs during their pregnancy.

"It's a paradox that individual rights violate the rights of an unborn child who cannot defend themselves from the actions of others," he said.

The effects go beyond the victims, he said, to the families, extended families, the educators and health care workers who deal with the problems every day.

"It's so sad when you see someone damaged," Carroll said. "It hurts -- your heart is ripped apart."

Alfred Moses, community health representative with Inuvik Public Health, said the day wasn't as well attended as last year, but was still a great success.

"The day went very good," Moses said.

"It's good to see this community support -- it doesn't matter if we get 150 or 350 people like we did last year."

"As long as we're getting the message out, it's a success," he said.

The event was sponsored by Public Health, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Anglican Church.