ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD - Wanted: Fort Liard residents who are interested in the community's future.

A group of organizations in Fort Liard are hoping residents will take an active role in the shaping of Fort Liard. Community planning meetings began on Oct. 26 with a community circle meeting.

The meetings, which have historically

happened every few years, are a forum where residents can raise their concerns about

things that are happening in the hamlet and voice ideas for how positive changes can be made,

said Roslyn Gardner Firth, the hamlet's

manager of wellness and recreation.

The meeting last month was an introduction to the process. Representatives from the hamlet, the RCMP, the health centre, probation services, the Youth Justice Committee, Acho Dene Koe First Nation and the Family Violence Prevention Program shared information about the services they provide and asked for input on additional services that the community would like.

Building on this, a second meeting has been set for Dec. 7.

"We hope people feel more comfortable and speak up," said Gardner Firth.

The success of the process hinges on having a high enough level of community involvement, said

Ken Nowoselski, who was at the meeting as a representative of the hamlet council and the Youth Justice Committee.

If a broad base of people participate more information is gathered and that makes it easier for organizations to gauge the needs of the community and adjust their approach as necessary, Nowoselski said.

Nowoselski has been involved in four cycles of community circle meetings. He believes current events will help make this cycle more successful than the previous ones.

In the past the meetings have focused primarily on the issues of the day. With the land claims process underway there's an impetus to come together, look towards the future and decide on a shared goal and how to reach it, he said.

"We're very hopeful of what this community can be and if enough people share change can happen," said Nowoselski.

The groups that were represented at the first meeting are committed to working together during this process, he said. Both Nowoselski and Gardner Firth agree it's beneficial for the groups to hear the input.

"For me it's important to have that communication with the people of the

community," said Gardner Firth.

Gardner Firth said she wants to know if the

recreation activities she's offering fit with what the community wants. Results won't be seen immediately, said Nowoselski.

"It's not going to be an overnight, quick success thing," he said.

The process will be gradual but it will strengthen the community if it's done right, said Nowoselski.

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