Pubdate: Fri, 23 Jan 2009 Source: Nunatsiaq News (CN NU) Copyright: 2009 Nortext Publishing Corporation Contact: http://www.nunatsiaq.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/694 Author: Michael Benter NUNAVUT'S YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD REJECT CRACK I am a United States resident who lives in Wisconsin. For the past few years I have had an interest in Nunavut and read the Nunatsiaq News each week. I have also read a couple of books on Inuit life and on occasion listen to Iqaluit radio programming on CBC North. Your Inuit culture, history and the beautiful, challenging and special land that makes up Nunavut is fascinating to me. If I ever have the extra income to visit Nunavut, I certainly will. Unfortunately, I also know of the health and drug problems that affect Inuit life today and I hope and pray that young people across Nunavut reject a lifestyle choice that can only serve to hurt Nunavut's future. With guidance from the elders, dedication in the classroom and a personal and group-based resolve not to be stooges for southern drug dealers and other parasitic outsiders, these young people have the continuing and progressive development of Nunavut in their hands - hands that should never hold a crack pipe or bottle. Michael Benter Milwaukee, Wisconsin - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin