Roxanne Roberts, Coun. Michael Bird and Allen Morrow are seen inside the youth centre. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

A New way

Leadership hopes new Bell’s Point Youth Centre will make an impact

Jan 29, 2020 | 5:13 PM

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Coun. Michael Bird wants students to feel at home at the new Bell’s Point Youth Centre along Elders Road.

The approximately $300,000 facility opened earlier this week and includes a TV and music room, computers, video game systems, a kitchen, bathroom with shower, washer and dryers, offices and an open area for meetings and activities. Bird noted in the spring, construction will start on two additional 24-by-24 foot buildings for mechanical work and traditional activities. They should be completed by mid-summer.

“One will be fitted with tools where the youth are going to learn how to fix bikes and work on snowmobiles and outboard motors,” he said. “The other building will be a culture building and that will include fish and moose meat preparation, and outside there will be smoke houses.”

Bird mentioned when he was first elected to council, there was a community safety committee and members were concerned about the way the reserve was headed in terms of youth, violence and crime. He decided with the help of leadership, a youth centre would be possible and he began working toward the goal.

Bird envisions parents and elders will also play an important role with youth at the centre. He believes it will become a larger project than originally thought and it will be crucial those people take part. Community members are free to sign up to volunteer at the centre if interested.

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“We needed to give them a place where they can come and be taught the right path in life,” he said. “We need the parents involved with this youth centre as much as we need the kids coming here, so they can work together and go towards a better life.”

Bird also stressed gang colours and affiliations will not be tolerated, adding that kind of lifestyle is one the band needs to steer the youth away from. In order to ensure those at the centre make it home safe after hours, a van is available for transportation purposes.

The youth centre includes a complete kitchen. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Five computers are available for use at the centre. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The youth centre will be staffed by Allen Morrow and Roxanne Roberts, along with two youth experience workers. The initial hours of operation are 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., but Bird said that can change according to the needs of the youth.

“As we progress and see the need, we want to engage the students to see what activities they want to do and what kind of hours they would like to see it open,” he said. “I’m hoping this will be a place they will feel at home.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno