Addressing alcohol abuse
A Grade 9 student from Baker Lake whom the Government of Nunavut identifies as Haley H. drew this picture, which won the grand prize for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s 2020 Let’s Be Aware calendar challenge. The best submissions to the contest, which asked youth to make drawings of responsible approaches to alcohol, are featured in a calendar. The grand prize winner received a $250 gift card and her drawing is featured on the calendar’s cover, while runners-up received $100 gift cards with their drawings featured inside the calendar. A digital version of the calendar is available online. (Screen capture)
As I’m in very much agreement that alcohol doesn’t belong around Inuit life, I’m also not surprised by kids drawing it out as seen here. If anyone thought for just a moment, and attempt to view the issues with alcohol and it’s trouble among Inuit life, as felt by children, you would think that finding solutions, like banning it total would be the thing. But I’m afraid that kids don’t really matter too much when it really comes down to it. I mean what kind of people would allow such suffering to continue! And let kids endure so much? Just think about their little growing minds.
Alcoholism is actively assisting in the destruction of our culture, future, and lives.
True, and more importantly, alcoholism is actively assisting in the destruction of all societies.
Alcohol destruction of all societies, but not like anything experienced by inuit societies. Alcohol, has a very small percentage of enjoyment in Inuit society, it mainly destructive because so many can’t handle it. The greater Quebec, Ontario, or Canadian society doesn’t have nearly as much, per population destruction as the north, and you know that’s true. As far as I can see only a very few people really enjoy drinking, with the benefits, and that’s people that can handle it, and have a right to have it. It should be ban from many. The people that enjoy it in the north, keep to themselves, sans the idiots not invited.
That calendar is very telling. There is one drawing and the child has written something like ‘men should only have 3 cups, women should only have 2 cups”. Cups around here means cups of vodka. No one should ever be having vodka by the cup.
There seems to be no directions for a better life among the Inuit societies that are struggling with alcohol., and I don’t know at least one northern community that is not struggling big time with alcohol, whether dry, damp or very wet. All you have to do for your inspiration and your motivation is to listen to your kids. The kids will direct you to a good life, try it. And if your kids are not motivation enough, then there is little hope for you. An early death, or a permanent injury is likely around the corner of your life.
It is our culture now..
Russia had the worst reputation for alcoholism worldwide. Even if people couldn’t buy food because the store shelves were empty the government made sure they could always buy vodka. However, in the last 10 years alcoholism in Russia has been reported to have diminished by about 42%. Maybe we could learn something from them.