Iqaluit (Oct 09/06) - Against a backdrop of a dozen posters warning expectant mothers of the dangers of drinking alcohol, Health and Social Services minister Leona Aglukkaq announced a pair of initiatives to combat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Winnie Banfield, Nunavut's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder coordinator, affixes a FASD knot pin to Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq's lapel during a news conference at the legislature Wednesday. - Chris Windeyer/NNSL photo

The dozen young poster artists from across the territory will see their work included in a calendar intended to raise public awareness of the disorder.

"You will find powerful messages in these posters," Aglukkaq said.

Many of the artists urge moms-to-be to choose juice and tea over liquor.

"Mom, please don't drink beer so I won't be sick when I come into the world," one reads.

The young artists are Akpalialyk Duval (Baker Lake), Bathsheba Evviuk (Baker Lake), Caroline Oman (Baker Lake), Keri Iksiktaayuk (Baker Lake), Saila Gillis (Cape Dorset), Jen Ryan (Iqaluit), Lucy Maniyogena (Kugluktuk), Courtney Dunphy (Pond Inlet), Mia Pudnak (Pond Inlet), Cassandra Bergeron (Rankin Inlet), Alicia Manik (Resolute Bay) and Naomi Alookee (Taloyoak).

Aglukkaq also announced a new knot pin. The pin, developed by the Baker Lake Prenatal Nutrition Project, will be given to anyone who signs a pledge not to drink during their pregnancy.