OHSWEKEN--Six Nations band council has declined a demand by the reserve's youth to turn over the keys to the old police station so the kids can have a youth centre.
A delegation of young people spoke to the band council Tuesday night after "reclaiming" the nearby building over the long weekend.
The police recently moved into a new $3-million facility, leaving the cramped quarters that has been deemed dangerous by the band council.
The youth have erected barricades at the site and issued a statement saying they've reclaimed the building for themselves because, after 20 years of pleading for a centre for kids, there's been no answer.
The kids promise to maintain a "sacred fire" at the site and hold socials, film screenings and concerts, telling council it should turn over the keys to the building by Friday at 6 p.m.
But Chief Coun. Bill Montour issued a letter Thursday noting that council feels an occupation of the old station would be dangerous and unhealthy.
"There is evidence of mould in the ceiling tiles as a result of several roof leaks, decaying entrance stairs have been a concern for some time now and interior finishes need to be tested and removed, if needed, to ensure that the old paint does not contain lead and other contaminants," wrote Montour.
"The building has health, structural and safety issues that have to be fixed."
Montour told the youth that councillors would talk to their districts, including the young people, and come to a resolution that "meets the needs of everyone."
Meanwhile, the young people have created a Facebook page to share information.
Posting indicate the kids have started collecting donations.
According to Missy Elliott, police officers showed up at the site on Wednesday, saying that communication lines that affected the fire hall had been cut inside the old police building.
"We have been at the site 24 hours a day keeping the fire and did not see anyone go in at any time," wrote Elliott.
A group of Men's Fire representatives turned up and also tried to enter the building but Elliott said she insisted no one was to go in.
The youth are maintaining a barricade at the site and a fire.