Duane Hicks
“Never be afraid to dream big.”
That’s one of the mottos of “When Eagles Fly,” a new program for youth in Fort Frances and surrounding area.
Its main focus is to empower teens—helping them to discover their goals, talents, and abilities, explained program founder and co-ordinator Sandra Allan.
Equally important is their safety and well-being, added Allan, a certified addiction worker who has worked extensively in the past with troubled teens and group home facilities.
“We are losing our kids to drug and alcohol abuse and suicide,” she warned. “Gang activity has increased and has become a place to belong amongst our teens, even younger children.
“A great majority of these youth have never had to opportunity to explore their life aspirations, their goals, and their dreams,” Allan noted.
“It’s difficult seeing ‘what could be’ coming from broken homes, poverty, lack of self-esteem, and feeling worthless.
“Add bullying into this and the outcome is usually catastrophic.”
Allan developed “When Eagles Fly” for youths to discover themselves, and how unique and individual they each are, and how they could contribute their gifts and abilities to their community and outward.
The program consists of three components:
•to ensure the safety and well-being of aboriginal and non-aboriginal young children and teens by neighbourhood watch and patrol;
•offering safe homes for them to be aware of if encountering trouble; and
•empowerment presentations in a classroom atmosphere, as well as youth seminars focusing and encouraging their goals, talents, and life aspirations.
Neighbourhood patrol
The patrol, which would begin with adult volunteers (with background checks) and then bring in youths once established, will patrol the Fort Frances area from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
The first two patrols will be held tomorrow (Sept. 22).
“We want to get the youth involved in the patrol with our adult volunteers,” Allan said.
“There would never be youth patrols out by themselves,” she stressed.
She added being part of the patrol lets youths take part in keeping the community safe while practising their social skills, working with other teens and adults.
Allan noted that being on patrol would count as “community hours” students need to graduate from high school.
“It’s a win-win situation,” she remarked.
Allan also would like to see youths get involved in community initiatives like “Stuff-A-Cruiser,” or helping the local Salvation Army pack food hampers or ring the bells for the Christmas kettles.
To find out more about the neighbourhood patrol, visit the “When Eagles Fly” Facebook page.
Allan, meanwhile, would like to work with the Grand Council Treaty #3 Women’s Executive Council to bring “Project Green Light” to Fort Frances and surrounding communities to offer safe homes for youth.
The project was initiated by the council a couple of years ago in response to violence in communities, and how it affects areas such as the child welfare and justice systems.
The idea is for community members to accept green light bulbs and use them as their outside light to show that their home is a safe place for individuals, including youths, in need of safety from all forms of violence.
“You’re able to go to that home and feel safe until help arrives,” said council member Anita Collins, adding it’s kind of like a “Block Parent” program.
She added it also ties into the council’s focus on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.
“There’s a lot of First Nation girls out there who don’t know where to go or have anywhere to go,” said Collins.
“If they see a green light, then they know it’s a safe place to go to.”
Speaking from experience, Collins said she wished there was a “Project Green Light” when she was younger.
While she usually could rely on friends and neighbours, there were times when she had to jump out of a second-storey window to get away from her abusers.
“That shouldn’t be happening nowadays,” Collins stressed. “We have the resources and we should have the protection.
“And doing this is a step closer.”
“People should care about everyone in their community and their safety and well-being, especially our kids because that’s our future,” Allan reasoned.
While “Project Green Light” has been endorsed by all 28 communities in the Treaty 3 area, only five have implemented it so far (Onigaming, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, Mitaanjigamiing, Naicatchewenin, and Rainy River FN).
There is a traditional process to implement the program that can take time, explained Priscilla Simard, who also sits on the council.
The process involves one chief accepting a medicine bundle from another chief in a ceremony.
This means community is sanctioned—spiritually—to carry forth with the initiative, Simard noted.
She said that becoming a “Project Green Light” community also involves having a plan in place on how to mobilize support services after an incident where someone takes shelter in a “green light” home.
There also must be a commitment by the community leaders to supply members with green lights.
Simard noted the council would be willing to help get non-Grand Council Treaty #3 communities, such as Fort Frances, involved in “Project Green Light,” as well.
Empowerment
“When Eagles Fly” also is about boosting self-esteem and letting youths “be kids again” with activities and get-togethers, as well as interactive youth empowerment presentations.
“These presentations are specifically for youth ages 13-18,” Allan noted.
“Youth will participate in developing their goals and aspirations in a fun one-and-a-half hour presentation.
“Special guests may be brought in to inspire and encourage youth with their powerful life stories,” she added.
The presentations also will promote zero tolerance for drugs and bullying, with a focus on youths being themselves and what they have to offer.
Further down the road, the youths themselves may showcase their talents and abilities.
The public also can support “When Eagles Fly” by making a donation on www.gofundme.com
Allan noted some funds are needed to purchase patches, vests, walkie-talkies, a laptop computer, office supples, advertising, and green light bulbs.
For more information about “When Eagles Fly,” visit the group’s Facebook page, or call Allan (1-807-861-0629) or Collins (1-807-599-1180).
