LYNX CLAN WATCH – COMMUNITY ALERT – With longer days, warmer air, and Mother Earth awakening across our territories, children and youth are spending more time outdoors—walking to visit friends, heading to the water, or playing in the bush. As protectors and community members, Lynx Clan Watch is calling on families to take this opportunity to have honest, empowering conversations with children about personal safety.
Our role, as always, is to watch, guide, and support. Just as the lynx observes its surroundings in silence and readiness, so too must we prepare our young ones to trust their instincts, recognize danger, and know what to do when something doesn’t feel right.
Staying Grounded, Staying Safe
Here are some practical safety tips we encourage families to review together:
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Teach children not to go anywhere with someone they don’t know—no matter how friendly they may seem. They should know it’s okay to walk away and seek help. -
Help them understand that “bad feelings” in their gut mean something. Even if they can’t explain why, they should act on it and find a safe adult. -
Check in before going anywhere—especially if it involves someone they’re not familiar with. Always let a parent, caregiver, or trusted adult know. -
Name the safe people in their circle. Who can they go to in case something doesn’t feel right? That might be a kokum, uncle, auntie, teacher, or family friend. -
Create a family password. If someone else ever needs to pick them up, they should only go with that person if they know the agreed word. -
Stick together. There is strength and safety in walking with friends, cousins, or siblings—especially on the land or through town. -
Walk routes together. Show them safe places—like a band office, health centre, or trusted home—they can go if they feel unsafe. -
Teach phone safety. If they carry a phone, make sure they know how to use emergency call features. Make sure they know your number and their own full name and address. -
Run “what if” scenarios. Practice responding to different situations so they build the confidence to act if needed.
Protecting Our Youth Is a Community Effort
Lynx Clan Watch reminds families and caregivers: protection starts with conversation. Let’s guide our young ones with kindness, preparation, and cultural strength. The world around us is changing, but our duty to protect the vulnerable remains sacred.
Whether your child is walking near the river, visiting a friend, or biking through the community—knowing they carry the tools and teachings to stay safe is peace of mind for all of us.
Let’s walk beside them in this season of new growth.
