Drop-in centre saves drop outs

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Since opening last November, a youth drop-in centre in this remote, northern reserve has offered new options to youths in communities lacking recreational facilities and programs.

At least two other reserves in northern Manitoba now plan to open youth drop-in centres of their own, modeled after the Pukatawagan centre in this Swampy Cree community of 1,800 about 750 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.

The centre, known simply as The Club, is operated by the nine-member Mathias Colomb junior chief and council through support from the band council.

"It has really made a difference in the community. They tell me they would like to see it opened 24 hours a day," said Bighetty, 28, a band councilor and the centre's full time caretaker.

In the late 1970s, Pukatawagan was said to have one of the highest per capita homicides rates in North America. While it is a peaceful community today, Pukatawagan was like most northern reserves, unable to offer its youths much entertainment. Pukatawagan has an arena but there is no minor hockey league. The local school has no gym. Organized sports are rare.

Studies suggested that across Canada crime rates are lower in communities where there are sports and recreation programs available.

"The centre keeps the older kids occupied and that sets a good example for the younger kids who want to be like them,"says Sheila Ballantyne, 14, a member of the junior chief and council. "Before this place opened a young kid died from drinking alcohol and no one wants to see that happen again. You don't see as many 10 or 11 year-olds drinking."

One Club regular who used to sniff gasoline is a source of inspiration for other users since he kicked the dangerous habit. "We're all proud of him," Bighetty said.

RCMP Const. Brian Auger of the Pukatawagan detachment said the centre has done much to keep kids off the street at night and out of trouble.

"There was really nothing for kids to do before they opened the centre except walk around," he said. "We can really notice the difference. We haven't been called to the centre even once."

The atmosphere of The Club is relaxed. Posters adorn the walls and ceiling. The music is full blast. Stereo speakers are placed on the front steps, every day at 7 p.m. sharp, to announce the opening.

"Before we opened the centre we went to school and asked kids what they wanted in the centre and they said a home environment," Bighetty said.

The Club offers a variety of activities to appeal to everyone's taste. The pool table is like a freeway. There is a ping-pong table and board games. There are movie nights and dances on weekends.

A key focus behind the centre is education, Bighetty said. AIDS information and condoms are available. Bighetty, who also acts as councilor, recently held a demonstration workshop to show kids how to use condoms properly.

Moreover, he said, the centre promotes responsibility.

"I can give them the keys now to open the centre when I can't make it. They open the place, look after it and nothing gets broken or stolen. Later, on their way home, one of the kids will stop by my house to tell me the centre is locked up."

The Club was fortunate enough to have generous funding. The Mathias Colomb band gives the junior chief and council $1,000 a month to operate the centre. And the community has been supportive. Parents dropped off old sofa and used furniture, Bighetty said.

Some outside support has also come in. Recently, the centre received approximately $5,000 in funding from Health and Welfare Canada through a youth drug strategy program The money is being used to take kids outside the community on workshops. The entire nine members of the junior chief and council attended the National Aboriginal Youth Conference in Winnipeg May 19-21.

As well, last winter the nearby Thompson Elks organization donated hockey sticks to the centre's popular road hockey program, and the St. Norbert Foundation in Winnipeg chipped in with used hockey equipment

Opaskwayak Cree Nation in The Pas and the Chemawawin First Nation in Easterville plan to open centres.

"We hope our centre will have as much success as the one in Pukatawagan," Marcie Easter, who is spearheading the project in Easterville, said. "It doesn't take a lot to make a difference."