The first day of a conference on strengthening community relationships in La Ronge is underway at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre.
About fifty people gathered this morning to discuss the results of a survey involving people from La Ronge, Air Ronge and the surrounding reserves.
Consultant Laurie Thompson organized the information which was collected at a community barbecue held in October.
Thompson says several issues came up as a common concern among respondents.
“The big community problems that people identified were alcohol and substance abuse, lack of recreational and cultural facilities, lack of social programs, crime and lack of housing.”
Thompson says most people believe there is also a need for more youth activity in the area.
“You see lots of kids now sitting in front of the TV or with a video-game in front of them and I think there’s a real push now to get kids active and out and involved with social activities and sports and recreation for a whole bunch of reasons that are good for their physical and mental health.”
La Ronge mayor Thomas Sierzycki was among those in attendance at this morning’s session.