To the editor:
Young, adolescent males seeking a sense of belonging in our community need older males to initiate them into adult society. The traditional role of the male was one of provider.
Many men still find a sense of self-worth in this role. Could we perhaps combine the hunting and fishing skills of so many men in Thunder Bay with the youth seeking a purpose and a livelihood?
What if older males in Thunder Bay took younger males under their guidance, taught them these skills, and gave them the role of providing meat for their families? I'm not entirely sure how this would work, but it would mean teaching young men who are not necessarily one's own children.
A village raising a child? Clearly we need to catch these boys before their late adolescence. I have more questions than answers, but I hope that perhaps it is the right question to ask, one that might lead us in a positive direction.
Cindy Spackman,
Thunder Bay
