Baker Lake (Oct 11/06) - Nunavut's new anti-Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder campaign is tied to Baker Lake.

The 'knot' pin that is emblematic of the campaign, launched last week in Iqaluit, was designed by Baker Lake artist Karen Yip.

This is one of 2,500 FASD 'knot' pins, created by a Baker Lake artist, that will be distributed to expectant mothers who vow not to drink during their pregnancy. - Chris Windeyer/NNSL photo

The pin depicts a mother and child surrounded by the FASD knot, which also represents the hood of an amauti.

"We think it's beautiful," said Laurel Kreuger, co-ordinator of the Baker Lake Pre-Natal Nutrition Project.

Karen Yip, a trained goldsmith, based the design of the pewter and sealskin pin on an original from FAS World, an international group fighting the disorder.

"The kids need all the help they can get," Yip said, explaining her decision to get involved in the project.

"I think a little more knowledge and education never hurt anyone."

Yip got involved at the behest of Kreuger.

For the last 11 years the nutrition project has provided information and peer support to expectant mothers and fathers on the importance of a healthy diet for babies, so the FASD project was a natural fit, Kreuger said.

"It's just so important to have that information and that awareness out there in the community," she said.

FASD has no cure, but is completely preventable if mothers decide not to drink while pregnant, Kreuger said.

In all, 2,500 pins are available to expectant mothers who sign a pledge not to drink during their pregnancy.

They were assembled by Grade 12 students at Jonah Amitnaaq secondary school and members of the Nunavut Youth Abroad Program as part of fundraising efforts.