THUNDER BAY – Though there were a few people who don’t seem to be on board, Ian Hodgkinson is convinced a partnership between the Guardian Angels and Fort William First Nation would be mutually beneficial.
The local chapter director of the Guardian Angels held an information session on Saturday alongside Fort William First Nation Chief Georjann Morriseau, where residents heard from both leaders and asked questions about what the volunteer organization would offer.
Hodgkinson, who had previously met with Morriseau and the band council and received their approval, told the room at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre that his group wants to lend a hand and prove whatever support they can.
He was accompanied by more than a dozen members and said a partnership would be the first of its kind.
“Just the fact that we have a physical presence here with all the Guardian Angels and community leaders and members I think is monstrous,” Hodgkinson said.
“This has been around for over 36 years and it’s never been on a First Nation at this level.”
Many had questions about what the partnership would involve, and whether it would mean Guardian Angels would be patrolling the reserve.
They inquired about whether potential programming and activities offered by the group would be a replacement for work already being done. Questions were also asked about how the group could be trusted.
Morriseau emphasized the Guardian Angels would be working with the community, rather than dictating.
“It’s important for people to realize the whole point of them coming in wasn’t to impose. It was to meet, great, inform people of what they want to do and that they want to walk with us and help support us,” she said.
Hodgkinson insists its meetings such as this one, where adults learn about the Guardian Angels, that is how younger people will become involved.
He promised there will be more to come.
“First it’s Chief and council, then the elders, then the grandparents, then we’ll get to the young people,” he said.
“We’ve done so many good things. We’ve saved some lives, stopped some drug deals and have people joining. They’re changing as people.”
He also appealed to Fort William members to join the organization to help make both their community as well as Thunder Bay safer places.
Morriseau said it’s important Fort William starts taking a more active role in city issues, as the First Nation is automatically affected due to proximity.
“We both have our own identities but at the same time a lot of our challenges are the same,” Morriseau said.
“It breaks down racial barriers but it also shows we’re equally as concerned here as we are for the broader community. What happens in the city of Thunder Bay does impact our community so we should be taking a more active role there as well.”
Hodgkinson said the local chapter of the Guardian Angels already has about 60 members.
