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Thirty residents participated in the walk Saturday. (Submitted photo/Christopher Merasty)
Demonstration

Walk for Sobriety in La Ronge finds support

Jun 22, 2020 | 2:23 PM

A group of tri-community residents came together June 20 to raise awareness about alcohol addiction and related issues.

It was organized by Men of the North and was attended by 30 people as that’s the cap on outdoor gatherings according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Among those who participated in the walk were Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and Cumberland NDP MLA Doyle Vermette.

“Our community deserves better,” said Men of the North Founder Christopher Merasty. “There’s been a lot of destruction in and around alcohol. We had already two deaths. I know one for sure was alcohol related and we just need to do something different in our community. We did this walk to raise awareness and to let people know there are people out there who are willing to help.”

The walk occurred at 11 a.m., and it began at the band office and ended at the urban reserve in La Ronge. Merasty noted those who participated wore masks and ensured social distancing took place.