I am finding much sadness this month as I see a news release about the possible building of an overland road in the Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation/Wallaston Lake area, the closure of the Scattered-Site Outreach Program in La Ronge and the end of a free-bus service to support people travelling for many reasons between La Ronge and Prince Albert.
Where to start?
The need for a new overland roadway has been a long-time problem. I remember as the reporter with The La Ronge Northerner I wrote several stories. I was invited to the community to learn first-hand about the problems with transportation into the communities of Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation and the Northern Village of Wallaston Lake.
There were many, particularly in the winter months. Lack of barge service when the barge broke down, people traveling in unsafe conditions to bring in food and fuel.
The new road was planned back soon after I came here in 2006.
There was the loss of a beloved teacher when she went through the ice road.
It’s sad to see that this road has hardly been started, let alone completed. But, perhaps the increased federal funding will bring some action. I hope so for the people who need it so badly.
The closure of the Scattered-Site Outreach Program and the Overnight Program breaks my heart.
As I sat with folks the other day, I also felt the fear, sadness and wondering about the future of the people I’ve known who have used the benefits that the program and centre have provided over these many years.
I was not able to connect with the technology to watch the Council meeting where the purchase of the Waterbase Inn was discussed. I was sick at the time so unable to attend the meeting, but I have gone through the Minutes of the meeting.
Understanding that is sketchy information, as it’s not detailed, I also think further work needed to be done by the Council, with more in-depth discussion about the potential for the plan, rather than come to a decision so quickly.
I do have a copy of the package that went to the Council in preparation for the public hearing. It’s very hard to read the comments.
In reality, communities who have incorporated shelter-type agencies and other supports into their downtown areas have become healthier and more prosperous. I had a copy of a study done in British Columbia, which proves that very point.
Care and compassion go a lot farther than isolation.
Isolating people is harsh, cruel and creates a bigger problem. We now have people moving around the community with no washroom facilities, no shower or laundry, no place to get mail and messages, no place to come in out of the cold and have a cup of coffee/tea or some food and a friendly person to talk with. And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg for folks, as it’s a life and death situation, particularly in the winter months.
Some people want to say that the two situations were not connected, but there is always a relationship in the whole story.
Sometimes people need to look beyond the end of their noses to see how their words and actions affect other people and some leaders need to show leadership instead of what appears to me to be more of a popularity contest than the leadership people have a right to expect from elected officials.
We, my husband and I, travelled to Prince Albert and back on the last free bus. We have gone a few times and appreciated the service and enjoyed meeting the other people on the bus. We’ve seen how many people used the bus for many reasons and how helpful a service it was.
It’s another loss I mourn for our community. I so appreciate that they have been there for their time and maybe something will be created to fill the gaps in the future.
I hope we can begin to look at situations in our community with more openness, kindness, clarity and courage. These loses right now are just sad to me and certainly don’t make me proud of this community where I live.
