Inuvik (Feb 06/04) - Concerned citizens and police in the Mackenzie Delta have seen enough of the detrimental effects alcohol is having on their communities.

NWT Commissioner Glenna Hansen addresses the Community Wellness Coalition last week at Ingamo Hall. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

Last week at Ingamo Hall, local representatives from around the region and members of several RCMP detachments met with police brass from Yellowknife to discuss the issue.

In what's being dubbed the Community Wellness Coalition, the meeting was the first of many. Attendees were able to share stories and brainstorm ideas on how to deal with the problems associated with alcohol abuse.

"I don't want to see another pine box at the end of a runway, enough is enough," said territory RCMP Superintendent Pat McCloskey. "So we're willing to do whatever it takes, work with the communities to identify the root of the problems and try to break this cycle."

"If what it takes is knocking on a bootlegger's door, and telling them that what they are doing is not wanted in the community anymore, then that's what we're going to do," he said.

However, McCloskey said that this effort and others -- including asking local air carriers to clamp down on passengers who transport booze to dry communities -- would require support.

"We can't do this alone," said McCloskey.

The coalition is part of a more pro-active policing approach that IRC Chair Nellie Cournoyea, who attended the Ingamo Hall meeting, supports.

"I believe the RCMP has to be commended for making themselves available," she said. "They are trying to become part of the solution rather than just working from an enforcement position."

When asked about how a substance abuse treatment centre for Inuvik might play into this new strategy, Cournoyea said that was a short-term solution to a deeper issue.

"You can talk about institutions, but if you don't get to the root of a problem then you're never going to change this cycle of behaviour," she said.

And her words were echoed by McCloskey.

"Getting somebody into rehab is one thing, but if you don't change the environment that caused them to be there in the first place, then you've just got a revolving door," he said.

Inuvik RCMP Cpl. Thomas Woodfine also attended the meeting and was hopeful for the future.

"It was a great opportunity for detachments to get together," he said of the gathering. "I think there's going to be a lot of positive spin-off."

A Fort McPherson elder at the meeting -- who wished to remain anonymous -- said she was pleased with the initiative, but wanted to see more involvement from her community's leadership in the future.

"It's good we're having this because what is happening is just sad," she said. "But I had hoped more of (Fort McPherson's) leaders had taken an interest (in attending this meeting) and were here today."

Her community is still reeling from the death of 23-year-old Joni Francine Andre on Jan. 4.

Alcohol is said to have played a major role in what police are calling a domestic dispute that turned deadly. Charged in Andre's killing is her 25-year-old husband Stanley James Itsi.