Alcohol-damaged children obvious in Kuujjuaq

I am writing in response to the letter, “Many Kuujjuaq kids suffer from parents’ drinking” in the Nov. 8 issue of Nunatsiaq News.

I am new to Kuujjuaq. However, it is not difficult to see the obvious problems associated with children if one works in health and education.

The sad thing is that some of these children are affected by alcohol before birth, and are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects.

Women are informed about the dangers of drinking (and drugs) in pregnancy, but they see a newborn child who often looks “normal” and they do not realize that the learning, behaviour and discipline problems that will follow them all their lives are the result of the alcohol they consumed before delivery.

Workshops are given to health and education professionals on how to deal with these children, but we must work harder to stop it before it happens.

It is not enough for “community leaders to be sensitive to our opinions.” People depend on them to take a leadership role in education and prevention. Why not form a committee of representatives from all sectors (education, health and social services, municipal, law, youth, church) to work together to develop a strategy?

If the general public is concerned, they should be prepared to get involved — to volunteer. I wonder how many Kuujjuaq residents know that an excellent effort on the part of some concerned citizens, a program called “Safe House for Kids,” a drop-in center where kids could go to get off the street and away from difficult home situations, was discontinued due to a lack of volunteers ?

But the first three responses I had to my question about volunteer opportunities in Kuujjuaq was “There are none!”

I recognize that I am in another culture with sometimes different values, but we all have something to offer.

Why not start a short “Introduction to Kuujjuaq” evening organized by the town council every four months? Get people out by offering a little music, a small display of art, and invite local organizations to send a representative.

Advertise the date with flyers at the school, the hospital and the stores. Let us know about your community and that we are welcome to become a part of it. It is after all our home away from home.

Anonymous
Kuujjuaq