James Smith First Nation and Exterra Developments came together to build a facility to keep the youth engaged despite the COVID-19 pandemic. (KJ Bird/Facebook)

By Rachel May

Keeping Youth Engaged

James Smith First Nation set to be home to a new arena for youth

Jun 7, 2022 | 11:56 AM

James Smith First Nation will be home to a brand new arena centred around giving youth a safe place to hang out.

After two years of fighting with COVID-19, the youth at James Smith First Nation and Exterra Developments came together to build a facility to keep youth engaged.

KJ Bird, co-owners of Exterra Developments told northeastNOW the first step was sitting down with Cheif Wally Burns and other members of leadership in the community.

“They had a vision for something for the youth because of COVID. They are just bored and having a hard time getting adjusted to being isolated and not having a normal life.”

Bird said that the project will be a result of the community coming together.

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“The leadership of James Smith, they’re really good to work with, they’re really great people, and they’re very understanding,” Bird explained. “They involve a lot of people like the elders and community members. Having all those people come to the table and have their input put into this building is like, it is just amazing to see.”

The arena will feature a fitness centre that includes a walking trail around the entire building. The gym will overlook the ice rink set to be included in the design.

There will also be a daycare facility that looks out onto the spray park and green space on the outside of the arena.

A youth centre for kids in the community will include pool tables and ping pong tables. Bird said there will also be a space for youth to create resumes.

“[It’s] a place for the youth to call their own and just be able to have something to be proud of.”

The project is expected to bring employment opportunities to Saskatchewan residents.

“It’s not only for James Smith, it’s going to be open for everybody in all the trades around Saskatchewan.”

Construction of the arena is expected to take between two and three years.

Bird thanked everyone for coming forward to make this facility a reality for youth in the community.

“I look forward to you know, working with everybody on this project. And it takes a community to get this going. I’m just excited to have everybody come together.”

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM