WHITEDOG, NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO- The Youth Council of Wabaseemoong would like to provide a response to the recent statement made by Sargeant Harty of the Treaty Three Police and also a correction on the original story covered by Miner and News on September 29, 2008.

Treaty Three Police never took over the operations of the road check stop. They were only present when the press was there for a photo opportunity. To date, since the check stop started on September 29, 2008 they have been there less than 40 minutes. The youth manning the check stop have asked for their assistance when they had people throwing garbage at them or people traveling high speeds endangering the youth at the check stop. Tensions between the Treaty Three Police and the youth have escalated to a point where one of the officers briefly stopped at the check point and hit one of the signs and said "this is a joke".

The Youth requested from Chief Eric Fisher immediate intervention to address their safety concerns. The Chief contacted the OPP Northwest Region Superintendent, Mike Armstrong to request that the Ontario Provincial Police intervene and provide protection to the Youth at the check stop. Officers from the OPP attended the check stop and provided assurances to the youth and community members that if any other assistance is needed they would respond immediately.

"I think these actions and lack of support clearly demonstrate their unwillingness to help our community. The youth will definitely be requesting from Chief and Council that an IMMEDIATE review be done on police service options for Wabaseemoong" said Henry Fisher Jr. Chairperson of the Youth Council.

Children from the Wabaseemoong School held an awareness walk on October 1, 2008 to show their support to the Youth Council and also pleading with the Police to support the wishes of the community. "We just want to safe community; I believe every child deserves a safe place to live" commented Henry Fisher Jr.

We are requesting help from other communities in the Treaty Three Area and help from the general public. Former Prime Minister, Paul Martin is scheduled to be in Wabaseemoong on Sunday October 5, 2008 to address the Youth of Wabaseemoong and offer words of encouragement to the youth.

Thank you.

Henry Fisher Jr. Chairperson Wabaseemoong Youth Council
Contact Information: Waylon Scott, Wabaseemoong Youth Secretariat 807-927-2000 ext 222 or cell 807-466-3033.