The cultural gathering downtown runs until Thursday. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

traditional teachings

La Ronge cultural gathering brings residents together

Aug 14, 2019 | 1:58 PM

The cultural gathering hosted by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) Health Services Prevention and Recovery team at the urban reserve downtown is meant to bring people together.

The event began Tuesday with opening ceremonies, which involved speeches by invited guests including Chief Tammy Cook-Searson. Angie Clinton is one of the organizers of the gathering and she said the event also started with a special graduation for a group of seven band members who recently returned from Peguis, Manitoba, where they learned about traditional plants and medicines.

“It’s similar plants they have over there that we have up North here,” Clinton said. “The Elder who trained us said we have the same medicines as we picked in Peguis.”

Clinton stated there are also 12 teepees or tents set up with traditional activities in each. Attendees are encouraged to visit each exhibit as there is someone available at each one to explain the activity. The tents include activities such as beading, birchbark biting, moss bag teachings, antler and wood carving, men’s and women’s teachings, hands-on healing, drum demonstrations and traditional tea making. Mental health workers and a bus with the Canadian Cancer Society are also on site.

Throughout the three-day event, which ends Thursday, there are an array of speakers who were invited to present. Some of them talked about health-related subjects, while others spoke about traditions and culture.

YEAR IN REVIEW

Carla Beck wraps up year with plan for next election

Dec 31, 2024

Year In Review

A look back at the tri-community's Top 10 stories of 2024

Dec 31, 2024

HROMEK RESIGNS

Jon Hromek steps down as Sask. United Party Leader

Dec 31, 2024

“This morning we had Marcia Mirasty speak about prevention of family violence, as well as the abuses that are happening in our families in the North,” Clinton said. “What do we need to do to step up and say enough is enough? What do we need to do to stop family violence in our communities?”

A mural by the La Ronge Arts Council will also be completed at the event. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Clinton also mentioned it’s important for the community to host such events. She noted people should feel proud to be First Nations and about the resources available in the North. Clinton added ensuring plant life and water remains healthy and clean is vital.

“All of us who work here are very proud of our language and culture,” Clinton said. “We need promote that more, so we can save our water, plants and our Earth. Without it, we will get very sick and we need to be a support to Mother Earth.”

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno