Community Guardians initiative launches in Red Deer following youth violence incidents

On Monday, they held their first meeting as an open event at the Northside Community Centre YMCA, where concerned parents and members of the public could express how they have been feeling about the recent events.

Chubala said the primary purpose of the meeting was to promote healing in the community and listen to individuals about what they could do in their own sphere of influence to improve healing moving forward.

Since then, Chubala said, dozens of people and even agencies have reached out in an effort to see how they can help. They’ve already locked down meetings with multiple youth agencies.

Recent violent events in May have sparked discussion across the community, not only about the incidents, but also about the topic of violence itself.

It began on May 4 when Red Deer RCMP responded to the Oriole Park neighbourhood after receiving reports of gunshots and a female voice screaming for help in the area.

Once on scene, police found a 15-year-old girl who had been severely assaulted.

As a result, three youth suspects, a 14-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy, and a 15-year-old girl, all from Red Deer, were located and arrested.

The victim, police say, had serious non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.

A week later, in a separate incident, 14-year-old Rylin Brinston from Red Deer was the victim of an alleged assault on May 11 in Lancaster Meadows.

That day, police were notified that a female youth had been assaulted at a field between the Collicutt Centre and Hunting Hills High School.

Just two days later, police arrested two 14-year-old female youths, both residents of Red Deer. One was charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Assault by Choking. The second youth was charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm. They are each to appear in court on June 25.

The incident was caught on camera, which has been shared across multiple social media outlets, sparking many conversations across Red Deer and the province.

The incident even inspired a rally for the teen on May 15, where approximately 200 residents gathered outside the old courthouse in Red Deer to show their support for the family.

Chubala, who has worked with youth in different aspects for over 10 years, said it’s important for adults in the community to step up and be role models in the community and use their influence to be proactive in responding to these types of incidents.

“I feel sometimes we’re asking our governments and all of the agencies around us to do the things we think need to be done. No one’s really stepping up to do those things,” she said.

Chubala explained some of the concerns she’s heard are that the youth violence issue is so systemic that it feels overwhelming to address.

“They were saying they were concerned about the education system and if there are safe places for these kids to go,” she said. “What it boils down to is that through our own sphere of influence, we need to be the safe adults in spaces we take up. If that means those safe people go to these places where kids are acting out, and violence is occurring, then maybe we need to have adults there to be the voice of reason.”

She added that much of the talk on social media, particularly the incident in Lancaster, revolves around how none of the other students or adults stepped in to help.

Chubala said this was near a public space where adults were coming and going, and not one came out to assist.

“Perhaps there needs to be a group of people out there who represent the idea that we don’t stand by and let our youth harm each other,” she said.

Those who would like to help can join the Community Gardens Facebook group.

The group even caught the attention of Red Deer Mayor Cindy Jefferies, who talked about the group and the incidents during the points of interest portion of Tuesday’s regular council meeting.

Jefferies said she’s had several conversations with not only school boards but also with members of the community who want to help as a result of the incidents.

“Yesterday afternoon, I had a meeting with a lady who has worked with youth for most of her career and talked to her a little bit about what she thinks. She had what I thought were wise words: ‘Start by asking the youth what they need and how we can help.’ I thought that might be good wisdom for those who are entering that space to try and help.”

Jefferies added that she spoke to the Minister of Children and Family Services, Searle Turton, who, the Mayor said, expressed a desire to show his support and help where needed.

by Ian Gustafson

Community Guardians initiative launches in Red Deer following youth violence incidents

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