Kugluktuk (Apr 10/06) - Give the kids some credit. That's what the Kitikmeot Law Centre did when it launched the Kitikmeot Family Violence Project -- intended to get young people talking about family violence.

Suzannah Power was the best poster prize winner in a family violence contest sponsored by the Kitikmeot Law Centre. With Power is Kugluktuk RCMP member Kristen DeWulf. - photo courtesy of Peter Harte

A group of Kitikmeot authorities visited every Grade 6 class in the region and asked the students their thoughts on the reality of violence.

According to Katelyn Atatahak, a Kugluktuk student at Jimmy Hikok school, this is a first. Atatahak said she doesn't think the community ever talks about family violence, and when asked if it is talked about at home, she simply said, "Nope."

"I have lots to talk about for kids to get away from domestic violence," said Atatahak.

If she witnessed violence at home, or knew of violence happening at her friend's, she said she would call the police.

After presentations, the students broke into groups to make their own lists of causes and potential solutions to the problem.

Also, there was a story and poster making contest. First prize in either category was an MP3 player or a CD player.

Suzannah Power from Kugluktuk won first prize for her poster titled "Domestic Violence Sucks!"

"I think domestic violence is dangerous because some people can get hurt really bad. Even the kids can feel that it's their fault," Power said.

She said she wishes adults would listen to kids more.

"We can help by making posters and stories that people can read and maybe learn to help their situation, and tell others to watch what they do."

Kugluktuk Grade 6 teacher Nancy Little was amazed by the response her students gave.

"Kids feel helpless because they don't have a voice. Once they have an opportunity to share on something like this, it is quite shocking the knowledge these kids have," said Little.

Kitikmeot Law Centre director Karen Wilford said Grade 6 students are the ideal age for this project.

"At that age, kids are mature enough to express themselves and still young enough to be open," Wilford said.

Wilford, who practises family law, said domestic violence is a brutal reality far too many families face.

"Almost all of my cases have some element of domestic violence."That's why she helped spearhead this project.

"The hope is by listening to the children, their experiences are validated. They realize they are not alone and that there are other kids with the same problems. You remove the stigma." Groups involved include the regional RCMP, counselling staff, court workers and lawyers.

They will be publishing the project results, posters and stories to "create a community consciousness, hoping that parents will see it as a wake-up call," said Wilford.

Project partners will visit Taloyoak in May.