Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Wednesday, June 13, 2007

RANKIN INLET - Students from Maani Ulujuk high school took the fight against global warming to the streets June 4, trying to get drivers to take a break and do something good for the environment.

The "Don't drive for five," initiative was part of their Grade 12 Aulajaaqtut class, said teacher Ken Beardsall. Students had to choose a hands-on practicum to get credit for the class.

Although the unit didn't necessarily focus on global warming, the topic came up often in class, said student Tara Green.

"Global warming is really affecting where we live," said Green.

Students came up with a series of activities, but decided on this one to focus on tangible things people could do to help the earth, she said.

"Our culture is going away as global warming speeds up," said Green's classmate Kandace Kusugak. She noted that animals Inuit depend on for a traditional lifestyle are moving to different areas as a result of changes in the region's temperatures and conditions.

The students prepared for the day by making posters and signs, sending out press releases, and contacting the local radio station to get their message out.

The group stood in front of the Siniktarvik hotel with posters to try to get motorists to stop.

They had a few successes. Taxi driver Denise Ford with Northstar Taxi took a break from driving in support of the students.

"At least I put my five minutes in," said Ford.

A few confused drivers kept going, no doubt wondering why an angry Mary Irkootee was chasing after them with a stick.

Their message was maybe lost as certain local authorities drove more than two blocks to congratulate the students on their efforts, and ask them to keep off the roads.

The student's traffic stop fell on the week of the 15th anniversary of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The resulting document of that meeting, Agenda 21, has been a landmark in establishing environmental practices and goals for the United Nations.