WPCO Holds Strategic Planning Meetings
Residents shared their ideas and their feelings during strategic planning workshops held at the Silverwolf Casino on Sept. 13-14. The Wolf Point Community Organization sponsored the event.
Walter White Tail Feather served as the facilitator for the discussions.
“It was a right mix of individuals,” Roxanne Gourneau, chair for the Wolf Point Community Organization, said of the conference. “They understand that we need to pull together to develop the resources to reach our community’s needs.”
One topic during the program on Tuesday afternoon included the need for more volunteers in the area.
Gourneau said too many people don’t understand the value of some of their material items.
“Their comfort today was built on volunteerism from yesterday,” Gourneau said. “Without volunteers, nothing happens.”
Another area of concern expressed was “forgotten families.” Some children don’t have relationships with their grandparents, and females are learning to respect themselves. There is also a childcare shortage.
Some families are struggling trying to find formulas for babies. People with special diets, such as cancer patients, also have a challenging time finding their supplies.
“It’s life threatening,” Gourneau said.
Some goals listed included a facility for gatherings, meaningful food sovereignty, facilities for youth, a rodeo club, family activities, concerts for all ages, archery, a miniature golf course, a bike club, a garden club, fresh and affordable produce delivery, processing for beef, better working relationships, Native owned businesses, improved graduation rates, legal aid for community members and cultural responsibility to elders.
Challenges discussed included insufficient pay for sustainability and a meager work force.
“There’s infinite opportunity here. Our goal is to position ourselves to help members and our community,” Gourneau said of the importance of the strategic planning.
She explained that WPCO needs to work together with other organizations such as the Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce, cities and counties to improve the area.
“Our intent is to bring forth the ability of what we can,” Gourneau said.
