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Wednesday, May 9, 2007 Wanted: leaders
Somewhere along the way, however, our leaders lost their vision. Perhaps they were lulled into complacency by promises of a multi-billion dollar pipeline and all the wealth it will bring. Seven years and dozens of promises since resource revenue sharing was put on the table, the NWT seems no closer to a deal that will give us a share of the riches mined and pumped out of our ground. It was so refreshing to hear former NWT finance minister John Todd and one-time premier Richard Nerysoo caution the government about basing too many plans for the future on the pipeline. Come up with a plan to develop the territories that meets people's needs based upon today's economic reality, said Nerysoo. The leaders of yesterday had a vision and they were prepared to stand up to the federal government. That vision got Yellowknife a secondary diamond industry that the present government has allowed to wither. These days the government struggles to make ends meet while it snuggles up with big business. Recent population statistics show more people are moving out of the NWT than are coming North. Instead, the government must quit being Mr. Nice Guy and use every bargaining chip, including the pipeline, to get what we need. Resource revenue dollars will provide money for education, roads, homes, hospitals and schools. We have to make life in the North more attractive so people will move North for jobs, rather than commute to jobs and spend the dollars they earn in the south.
Congratulations grads
When graduates cross the stage at Sir John Franklin this weekend and St. Patrick high school June 1-2, they will be taking a big step. For some, high school graduation leads to more years of education at college and university. For others, it means independence from parents, siblings and the home they've known for 18 years. It's also a time to celebrate accomplishment. Not every student has earned high marks; some have had to scratch and fight for passing grades, overcoming language and cultural barriers and maybe even unhappy home lives. For all, graduation is a big deal. Students will don caps and gowns, put on rented tuxedos and expensive dresses to march proudly before assembled family and friends. Grads will also be able to celebrate responsibly thanks to thousands of dollars in donations for Dry Grad activities, something that's a tribute to the entire community. We know there will also be bush parties where alcohol is involved, and we hope these young adults understand the dangers of drinking and driving. Yellowknife doesn't want to mark graduation with the crash of a carload of students. To the Class of 2007, we say congratulations, good, luck and remember the lessons learned through years of work in
Time to help our region grow
Editorial CommentDarrell Greer Kivalliq News Wednesday, May 9, 2007 Denise Malliki's stunning victory at the 2007 Nunavut Quest dog race this past week was but the latest in a series of accomplishments by Kivalliq youth. In fact, the impressive and ever-growing list of accomplishments by our youth bodes well for our region's future. Whether it is a Skills Canada competition in Iqaluit, numerous sporting events, award-winning science projects or a record number of post-secondary graduates, Kivalliq youth have had a banner year. Further fanning the flames of future success is the number of Kivalliq youth swamping post-secondary institutions with applications to further their education. As Nunavut Arctic College campus director Mike Shouldice alluded to earlier this month, Kivalliq youth are leading the way among students seeking spots at college, trade schools and programs such as Northern Youth Abroad and the Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa. Do not underestimate the significance of this development. Our hopes are high that all Nunavut youth will realize the benefit of being involved with extracurricular programming while in school, and then continuing on with their post-secondary education after completing Grade 12. That said, we're tickled pink many Kivalliq youth got the message and are striving for future success. And, make no mistake about it, winning a gruelling race such as the Nunavut Quest, completing the cadet national star program or taking top spot at a Skills Canada event are all building blocks towards future success. Those of us who eat, drink and sleep the Kivalliq are finding it increasingly difficult to be humble these days when talk centres on Nunavut youth. That goes double for those of us involved with programs in the region ranging from sports to science activities, traditional learning and shop-and-trades training. We're all pieces to the puzzle and that's the rub. Kivalliq youth are doing their part to brighten the future of Nunavut. It's now more important than ever for adults to step up and help our youth continue to flourish. Solid foundation A solid foundation has been laid and the framework put in place, but we must continue to build if our youth are to continue honing their skills. There is still a relatively small group of people doing the lion's share of work with regional programs. As more and more youth choose healthy lifestyles and want to be involved in positive programming, the demand for adults to get involved will continue to grow. And, when you look at the results of the past few years, more adults should want to get involved with programs that help develop our youth. We've been fortunate to have a number of award-winning teachers the past few years who contribute as much to extracurricular programming as they do to classroom work. But our educators and a small group of dedicated volunteers can't continue to carry the load alone. The time has arrived for everyone to do their part in helping our region grow. Taking pride in the accomplishments of others is a feeling one only truly gets to know by being involved.
DARE to say no
Editorial CommentDez Loreen Inuvik Drum Friday, May 4, 2007 I found myself sitting in on a presentation earlier this week at Sir Alexander Mackenzie school. The RCMP is working with the school to educate youth about the nasty temptations in life. Yes, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program is in full swing once again. The bell rings on a Tuesday morning and the students make their way to the classroom to sit in their uniform desks, all lined up in rows. Their attention is wandering, still lost in the monkey bars of the playground. The door opens and a tall police constable walks in the room and instructs the class to get their reading materials ready. I look around the room and the students are hanging on every word he says. It was impressive how he had their attention. Then the good ol' talk about keeping away from drugs, alcohol, violence and other habits that lead to an unsuccessful life. The main message for these youth is to avoid these bad things completely. It's good advice for a young mind that is still developing. The main focus of the talk I was witness to was all about peer pressure. The officer talked to the youth about identifying the types of peer pressure and what to do when faced with bad choices. "Ultimately, we want you guys to have healthy lifestyles," said the constable. "It's important to stay away from drugs, alcohol and smoking." Such a strong message from a good role model in the community. But the reality is that addictions and illicit drugs will remain for years to come. It's all about personal choice. I choose to live my life in my own way and nobody will change that. I'm open to suggestion, but I wince at the sound of a demand. I applaud the police and the school for bringing such a complicated issue to the front lines of education. Rather than have children learn about drugs and alcohol from television and movies, teach them the real facts in school. But hey parents, you aren't off the hook just yet. If a cop is telling your kid that drinking is bad and the child sees you going out to the bar, explain to them about moderation. Tell them to their face why adults can drink and why youth have to wait to drink until they're old enough to be responsible. Each family is going to have its own way of teaching ethics and beliefs to their child. Just be responsible and let your child know about the things that happen outside the walls of your house. Don't leave the topic for later on. Tackle the topic of violence, drugs, alcohol and peer pressure at home, too. Tell them why you think drugs are bad and let them know the true consequences of binge drinking. Explain to them that some people drink to excess, and fall into the trap of drug addiction. Show them the life those people lead on the streets. The best message I heard the whole session was about independence. The students were told about peer pressure and were warned that their friends might want them to try bad things. Staying in charge of your life is key to being healthy. If you listened to all the advertisements and bad advice out there, life wouldn't last long. Being able to make your own decision is your birthright. Hopefully, those students will remember that message. I want to see a program aimed at the older youth as well. It's not too late to warn them away from the downward spiral of addiction and the harder things that are being peddled on the streets, it's never too late to say no.
Living dangerously
Editorial CommentRoxanna Thompson Deh Cho Drum Friday, May 4, 2007 The possibility of disasters is one thing that people don't like to think too much about. People have enough hiccups in their day to day routines to deal with without worrying about things that haven't happened and might not happen. It's enough to get through a day and not have to think about dark things that lurk where you least expect them. When disasters happen in other areas people feel sympathy for those involved while being thankful they aren't in that situation. Disasters, however, are not always that far away. Every year in the Deh Cho many local communities have a brush with disaster during break-up. As water pressure builds and ice creaks and groans on rivers, residents turn their eyes to the banks. We seem to have an interesting relationship with break-up. On one hand, break-up is anticipated as an exciting event and a sign that winter is definitely gone. On the other hand, there is the worry that varies in its degree from person to person that this might be the year that the river will flood. These dual emotions of excitement and worry feed and build off each other. Break-up would hardly be exciting if there wasn't at least some sign that water levels are rising. Although the image of giant chunks of ice grinding and fighting against each other is quite a sight, it's not the sole reason that people drive in seemingly-endless loops past the riverbanks or stand and watch the ice. The number of people watching the river and the level of excitement in the crowd seems to grow in a direct correlation to the water level against the banks. The higher the water, the more people on the banks and the more excitement. Excitement is added early on if the ice jams and water levels rise to free it again. People watch as blocks of ice are forced against the bank and sometimes on top of it. Along the riverbanks people can be heard joking about how exciting it would be if the river flooded. A popular topic of conversation is the likelihood of a flood. Although it makes for good conversation, it's unlikely that people actually want a flood. A little bit of water on a road might be all right but not much more, just enough to give a hint of danger. But while people are getting a thrill of living dangerously it's comforting to know that officials and volunteers have emergency plans in place in case a brush with disaster becomes a full -n deluge. The Deh Cho is fortunate to have a wealth of people who have training in either an official capacity or as volunteers to assist in the case of danger whether it is a flood or another situation. Assistance in the case of disaster came quickly to the aid of a family in Fort Simpson last week. The Fort Simpson volunteer fire department responded quickly to a house fire in Wild Rose Acres. House fires, like floods, are a disaster that no one likes to think about but still happen. While people are doing the normal thing by being thankful that it wasn't their home, everyone should remember to check their own smoke alarms to make sure they're working properly and can function free of obstructions. For those communities still in the grip of break-up, making sure you have a bag packed with necessities packed is also a good idea.
Corrections An error appeared in an article in Friday's Yellowknifer ("YCS budgets for extra school" May 4). A headline accompanying the story contained incorrect information. Yellowknife Catholic Schools currently only has two elementary school places, not three. Yellowknifer apologizes for any embarrassment or confusion caused by the error.
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