By paNOW Staff

Solutions for Muskoday vandalism considered

Oct 12, 2010 | 6:08 PM

Andrew de Souza

paNOW Staff

Dialogue with elders and 24-hour security are among the options discussed at the Muskoday First Nations to deal with juvenile delinquency on the reserve, including a recent act of vandalism at the seniors’ lodge.
Last week, RCMP say the Kehtehyak Wikowaw Elder’s lodge was vandalized by three individuals, only one of whom is old enough to be charged. He faces mischief charges.
Elders and councillors of the first nation met at the band office on Monday to discuss their options.
It was agreed around the table that more needed to be done with the accused and young people on the reserve than simply allowing the police and courts to deal with the suspects.
Elders said they wanted to be able to confront the youth and let them realize that their actions had consequences that affected the whole community.
According to elder Wilfred Bear, the word of elders has diminished in value in recent decades, and this is a step in reclaiming that importance.
“The way it is right now, there’s no communication between the elders and the people,” said Bear.
“These people that do these offences and commit this vandalism should come and talk to the elders and should have to sit in an elders meeting and face the people and let them know they are indeed sorry.”
During the meeting, councillors who were present said they were looking into hiring private security for 24-hour patrols.
Councillor Herman Crane said the First Nation’s administration was in the process of finalizing the service and would be able to look for candidates once the decision was made by council.
He said a decision was expected by early November.
adesouza@rawlco.com