"Six Nations teens start new program"

OHSWEKEN - Ryan Doolittle and nine other teenagers want to help young kids navigate through the rough years of school.

Starting with School No. 8, the young people want to act as role models - a teenaged version of big brothers and sisters - for elementary school students.

"We know what it's like to grow up here and go to school here," the 18-year-old told Six Nations' band council Tuesday.

Ryan asked council to fund the program, called Dream Makers. The aim is to help Six Nations children have fun without resorting to drugs or alcohol.

Paired with the teenagers, the school children would go to sports events as well as work in the community with elders and perform services for the community, said Ryan.

It would start as a two-month trial after which the teens would consider expanding to other schools.

Glenn Forrest of New Directions said the program is a great idea. New Directions is a Six Nations organization aimed at the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.

"If I have to put in hours and hours of overtime, I don't care," it's worth it, Mr. Forrest, a youth counselor, said after the meeting.

The program had enthusiastic support from council.

Coun. Melba Thomas suggested councillors donate their honorariums for attending the council meeting to the program.

Council voted to donate $1,000 to the group instead and to support the organizers any way possible.

"It's good idea when young people themselves take hold of the problem," said Chief Coun. Steve Williams.