The association does have paid employees working for it, but volunteerism will be a big part in its success. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Youth Sports

LLRIB launches athletic association to bring more activities to youth

Aug 30, 2023 | 5:12 PM

Leadership with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) have launched an athletic association with the goal of bringing more sports, culture and recreation-related activities to local communities.

That’s according to LLRIB Coun. Devin Bernatchez, who explained the association formed after the 2023 general band election in April. He noted the association is tasked with planning activities on a quarterly basis with one upcoming meeting to schedule events for upcoming academic school year.

Planning for more activities will include all LLRIB communities such as Grandmother’s Bay, Hall Lake, La Ronge, Little Red River, Stanley Mission and Sucker River. The association also has plans to create partnerships with schools in Air Ronge, La Ronge and Pinehouse, as well as the municipalities of Air Ronge and La Ronge.

“We need to see more positive activities in our communities. There’s a gang and drug and gun crisis that we are seeing in our communities, so we feel if we can continue to build and empower the youth they will be busy,” Bernatchez said.

“It’s incumbent on us as leaders in the community to develop this type of association and we are just scratching the surface.”

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Bernatchez noted, however, just like with any association there will be a need for volunteers. While some of those involved include recreation directors Gordon McKenzie and Kevin Roberts, as well as education director Michelle Charles, band members such as parents will also need to get involved.

“When you are involved in sports and rec, there’s always time you have to put in for free, you’re always volunteering and that’s what we are looking for too,” Bernatchez said.

“We are looking for parents to step up to help their children. We are looking for community members to come onboard as coaches, officials or to help organize activities or tournaments in communities.”

Bernatchez mentioned the association has also been busy this summer. Some teams participated in soccer or baseball events and a golf tournament is planned for September.

“We are going to be accessing grants, we are going to be using prevention funds, we are going to be using our revenue we get from the casinos,” he said. “There is also an opportunity for us to look at different ways that we can do activities too.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com