Chippewas of the Thames to get round trip bus service to London

The Chippewas of the Thames First Nationwill launch a bus service for community members starting next month.

It's called the Pathways Project, with a goal to break down barriers to transportation for thecommunity.

Officials say 75 per cent of community members have known transportation barriers to employment, housing, education, health needs and other basic services.

"It's very discouraging with London so close and access so distant from here," said chief MyeengunHenry.

"It'sgoing to be so welcome to many of the people who have issues like not being able to afford a car and not being able to buy insurance. It's hard on people to ask othersto take them."

This three year pilot project is possible with funding from the Canada150 fund, London Community Foundation, Chippewasof the Thames and other donors.

Hopefulfor a bus stop

Routes and fares have not yet been sorted out.

Dennis Whiteye,manager of community support and outreach services at theAtlohsaNative Family Healing Centre, is hoping there will be bus stop outside the centre in London's downtown. It'swhere numerous programs are offered for the local Indigenous communities.

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"Men are mandated through the courts to take this," said Whiteye, who runs the 'I'm a Kind Man' program at the centre.

"A lot of times theirresidence is on a reserve and they can't come to my Wednesday group because they don't have access to get here."

Whiteye also hopes the bus will give young people a chance to get involved in extracurricular activities or sports.

Trust is essential

Chief Henry saidthe service will have to be reliable in order to succeed in the community.

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"We have to be very much on schedule. We have to make sure that that first year we build the trust within the people," he said. "Because if you take a job in London and your bus service is sporadic, that might then that might ultimately help you make a decision not to take it."

Henry saidthe bus will be unveiled in the community on Nov.3 with a celebration that includes a ribbon cutting, sweetgrass ceremony and a bus tour.

The bus will start making the 35 km journey to London the following day.