Leaders should look at link between violence and intoxicants

I often visit Inuit at Larga Home, the residence for patients from Qikiqtani.

It is a good way to remain connected with my fellow Inuit and it allows me to speak Inuktitut so that I keep my Inuktitut language alive.

It is very sad that Inuit are resorting to violence, beating up each other to the point of severe injury and even death. Much of this violence is expressed with the use of alcohol and drugs. In recent years, the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut has established a zero-tolerence for violence against women.

Today Inuit, including their leaders, should look at taking responsibility for their use of intoxicants, which then brings some people to the violence that often comes with it.

I encourage the Government of Nunavut to give a higher profile to its awareness and education programs regarding the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs.

Peter Irniq
Ottawa

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