Taking back the night in Lac La Croix

A group of women concerned about the safety of community members in Lac La Croix First Nation are planning to hold a Take Back the Night event on June 19.
Karen Keesic said many residents do not feel safe in the community, which has a population of about 270 people.
“The women here get assaulted sexually,” said Keesic, who is a member of the women’s council. “We fear for our children’s future.”
Keesic said the women in the community are continuously “stepped on” and “just being used.”
There almost no social life in the community, she said. Keesic estimates 30-40 per cent of the community members abuse drugs and alcohol, mostly youth, even though the reserve is supposed to be alcohol and drug-free.
And stray dogs are rampant and often form packs.
“My daughter got attacked when she was two, about five years ago,” she said. “I fear for her whenever she goes out playing.”
In March, a group of women joined together to form a women’s council, which has no affiliation with the First Nation.
“We want to have a voice in this community,” Keesic said.
The council has 10-12 members who meet every week to discuss the safety issues in their community.
The council decided to have the Take Back the Night event to raise awareness “and not sit back and watch things happen.” .
“We don’t want to keep locked up in our own houses,” she said.
The event will feature a walk through the community followed by speeches. The Women’s Executive Council of Grand Council Treaty #3 has been invited to speak.
The event will conclude with a small feast.