Inuvik (Nov 08/04) - Anyone who thinks Inuvik does not have a serious drug problem needs to think again, says Christine Firth.

"I was oblivious to this before it hit my family, but now I know the extent of the problem," said Firth, who organized a meeting on crack cocaine that attracted almost 200 people.

"It's a huge problem. Kids as young as 13 and 14 years old are being used and abused by coke dealers," Firth said.

"Too many people are turning us away and closing doors. I cannot accept that answer."

Shona Barbour, a concerned parent, told the crowd about the realities of drug addiction in Inuvik.

"I cannot express to you the heartfelt anguish people are going through. With all people working together, we can make a change," Barbour continued.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Sid Gray encouraged residents to tell them what they know. He blamed alcohol as the root cause of Inuvik's increasing drug problem.

"Everything is derived from this. Look at the families who think it is socially acceptable to drink."

One parent whose life was being affected by the situation was Mariah Arui. She insisted education was a key factor in teaching right from wrong.

"They can be educated through music, dance -- use your own language. Tell those kids to stop," Arui said.