INUVIK
Working at the John Wayne Kiktorak Centre for the last year and a half has opened Joey Amos' eyes to how much some people are struggling with addictions in the community.

Joey Amos speaks to town council about the creation of the Beaufort Delta Detox Centre Society Monday, July 10. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

"Being inside the building with them, these folks are a different set of people," said Amos, manager of the centre, adding that most would give the shirt off their back to help somebody in need. "They've got a heart of gold."

Amos was speaking in front of town council July 10 asking for a letter of support for the Beaufort Delta Detox Centre, a proposed facility that would help people recover from their addictions.

The centre has officially registered as a non-profit society in the territory and held its first board of directors meeting.

The intention is to establish a detox facility in Inuvik that could serve the whole region.

Amos said people in need of detox are sent south, but those programs often don't work because of the distance and lack of family support.

"What we would like to do is offer a place where there are local experts, people who have recovered and are willing to help," said Amos.

His idea for the facility focuses on people from the region helping those who are struggling. The idea is that people will be more comfortable talking with community role models they already know in a familiar setting rather than being sent to a potentially intimidating office environment away from their home.

"It's quite sad when we have our own people who are going through addictions," said Amos. "Some of them have experienced it because they're not in control of their own life. The addiction is pretty powerful. Some of the events in their past has caused them to do this and they don't know how to deal with it or where to go."

Amos emphasizes that the proposed detox centre is separate from the John Wayne Kiktorak Centre, which operates as a warming shelter during the winter.

Coun. Clarence Wood said he supports the proposal and harkened back to the benefits of Delta House, a similar facility that is no longer in operation.

"There are still people walking around today as a result of Delta House," said Wood.

He added that these social problems are never goin g to disappear completely, but having a detox centre in the community would be a positive.

Amos' vision for the centre would be to have a co-ed program with between 10 and 20 beds. Amos told the Inuvik Drum he is interested in exploring the possibility of using the GNWT's old youth facility, which is currently being used for storage, on top of the hill in Inuvik.

In that scenario the GNWT would retain ownership of the building and take care of operations and maintenance, while the detox society would seek $400,000 to $500,000 annual funding to run programs. No one has been approached yet about the idea, said Amos, but he intends to bring it up with the GNWT.

Most of the council gave Amos support, though there's a long road ahead still in securing funding and a location.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.