A new community watch program is forming within the Six Nations community.
Six Nations Caretakers was created by Sonny Maracle and, with the help of Rhonda Hill, another Six Nations community member, they are looking for volunteers to create a safer environment on the territory for all community residents.
The Caretakers say they are a community-based solution to crime prevention, helping to provide a greater sense of safety, solidarity, and belonging to members of the Six Nations community.
Maracle said the organization was created after there was an attempted abduction of a local Six Nations child and he hopes that the creation of Six Nations Caretakers can prevent future incidents from happening.
Hill said that she's been a part of neighborhood watch groups on Six Nations in the past and that there is a great need for organizations like Six Nations Caretakers.
"We're trying to reach out to every household on Six Nations that would step up to protect our territory a little more safely," she continued. "You just see so many dysfunctions in our community now and that to me is scary."
Maracle and Hill both expressed there hopes to bring a campaign to Six Nations Elected Council to get a crosswalk put in in front of J.C Hill School in Ohsweken to provide safer travel and road conditions for students in that area.
The Caretakers are hoping to have a location within Ohsweken in the near future for anyone requiring their assistance. They also mentioned that businesses have been responsive to their organization and if people needing assistance see The Caretakers penguin logo in a storefront window they're being encouraged to seek assistance there as well.
"It's for the safety of our children, they're the most precious thing we have. Why not protect them?" Maracle reiterated.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer of learning more about Six Nations Caretakers you can contact:
Sonny Maracle: sonnymaracle@gmail.com or call or text (226) 922-7547.
Rhonda Hill: otayohni67@yahoo.com or call or text (519) 865-4094.
Listen to the full CJKS story with Sonny Maracle and Rhonda Hill below: