WALK FOR THE CHILDREN

Community Of Pikwakanagan Backs War On Drugs Task Force

In an effort to raise awareness and promote the efforts of the
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan's War on Drugs Task Force, a walk through
the community took place last Wednesday afternoon. Children carrying
placards with messages like "Our children our future" and "Say no to
drugs" joined Chief Kirby Whiteduck, councillors, members of the task
force and the community at large in the walk from the health centre to
the community centre, a distance of more than two kilometres.

"A lot of concern has been raised about drugs amongst our children,"
said Shirley Kohoko. "As adults, it's our responsibility to ensure the
children grow up in a safe environment and stay healthy, both mentally
and physically."

In 2007, the Union of Ontario Indians passed a resolution supporting
the First Nations war on illicit drug use and trafficking. The
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan also supported the resolution.

In a press release issued before the walk, spokesperson Lisa Meness
stated the intent of the walk was to send a message that Pikwakanagan
would not tolerate illicit drugs within the community. The task force
was created to educate and raise awareness to the issue with the goal
of ensuring a safe environment for today's children as well as future
generations. The group has met with the Ontario Provincial Police and
the chief and council to institute a plan of action to eliminate
trafficking in the community.

"In terms of social problems, we are no different than any other
community in Renfrew County," said Chief Whiteduck. "However,
Pikwakanagan is unique given the fact that our culture, heritage and
identity was significantly impacted once the Algonquins settled on a
small piece of reservation land... we have struggled to revive our
culture, language and heritage and we must now protect it again in
order that it may be passed down to our future generations. We cannot
allow that process to be endangered by harsh substance abuse."

Kohoko said children as young as 10 years old are targeted by drug
dealers. The task force hopes to raise awareness in the general public
as well as the First Nations community.

"We hope this generates interest in other communities," she said.
"Urban and rural areas everywhere have this problem."

After the demonstration, a supper was held and personal stories were
shared.