Iqaluit (Mar 03/03) - Eleven Nunavut RCMP members are ready to combat drugs and violence in Nunavut communities.

They graduated Thursday from a two-week, 80-hour training course held in Iqaluit. One police officer from the NWT also took the course.

Const. Chris Coles, DARE co-ordinator with Nunavut RCMP 'V' division, said this was the first time DARE training has been hosted in the North.

"Previously we relied on sending people south to get training," said Coles.

"We need a DARE officer in every community."

To accomplish that goal Coles said a training session had to be held in the North.

The course is being facilitated by members of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Coles said the ability to offer DARE programs in schools is important, particularly in smaller communities like those in Nunavut.

"We teach them so much more than just drugs. We teach them they have the power to make decisions and they have the right to be safe," said Coles.

He said the program also provides a forum to improve relationship between the RCMP and the community.

"I want people to feel that they can come to me for help," said Coles.

He added that since the program has been in full swing, about two years now, that goal is being realized.

Russell Akeeagok, a new recruit, will teach DARE in Kugluktuk.

Akeeagok grew up in Grise Fiord and said the training is vital in Nunavut where drug, alcohol and violence issues are predominate in many communities.

"I think it would have helped a lot because there wasn't a lot of educational opportunities for the youth," he said.