LONG LAKE #58 – Long Lake #58 First Nation, Greenstone Gold Mines and Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour came together on March 14, 2018 to honour and thank the 58 Protectors, a group of dedicated Long Lake #58 First Nation volunteers who are making it their mission to make their community a safer place to live and improve the overall quality of life for all community members.
The 58 Protectors was formed in 2017 because of tragedies affecting Long Lakes young people within the community. During community discussion, the consensus was something had to be done. A group of strong members came together to form the 58 Protectors and their mandate is simple; they are protecting their kids and keeping their community safe.
Tackling the issues head-on, the newly-formed group set out to enforce a curfew previously set up by Chief and Council and community parents. Other serious issues identified related to addictions so, in the spirit of proactivity, potential drug houses are identified and watched. This information is logged and provided to the Ontario Provincial Police. Community Comprehensive Planner, Noreen Agnew stresses their efforts are done out of love and respect and they are not only sending a strong message to dealers, they are sending a strong message to their children. Patrolling takes place from Thursday through Saturday during the evening until midnight if required. The community culture centre remains open manned by a volunteer dispatch member ready to provide a snack, drink or offer a listening ear to community youth. By all accounts, the group is making a difference.
At the celebration, Greenstone Gold Mines representatives lent their support and encouragement to the community-driven program. A gift of gratitude was presented to each volunteer and a donation was presented to Chief Veronica Waboose and Noreen Agnew to go towards radios to aid in group communication.
Special guest, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour provided inspirational support and encouragement to the volunteers and community while the gathering shared a delicious meal of soup and bannock. Patty encouraged the group to continue their efforts and offered her support.
Long Lake #58 First Nation is a strong, progressive community made up of strong, resilient people. The 58 Protectors are resolved to safeguard their community and way of life for a better tomorrow.
Special to NetNewsLedger.com