A Walk for Sobriety was held earlier this year. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Community Support

Men of the North hosting awareness walk, grandfather lodge ceremony

Nov 19, 2020 | 2:05 PM

It’s an important weekend for Men of the North as the group holds its annual Walk for Sobriety, as well as a traditional four-day ceremony at the urban reserve in La Ronge.

The walk will occur Nov. 22 and begin at 1 p.m. at the band office and end at the urban reserve. It’s in support of National Additions Awareness Week and the theme is ‘Our Community Deserves Better.’

“We’re asking everybody who wants to walk with us on Sunday to call us to preregister as we are limiting it down to 20 individuals,” Men of the North Founder Christopher Merasty said, adding those interested should call 1-639-470-3476 or email westandtogether@menofthenorth.net.

Once at the urban reserve, the crowd will be asked to leave as women from the tri-community will then stand the grandfather lodge. Merasty explained an Elder will then light the sacred fire, lift the sacred pipe and pray.

The sacred fire will remain lit until Nov. 26 and a fire keeper will be there at all times.

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“We ask people when they are going downtown around the teepee, try to avoid talking to the fire keeper or going in to warm up,” he said.

While the sacred fire burns, Merasty mentioned its a time to spend with family to let them know you love them and care for them. He said it’s about reaching out to loved ones to let them know you support them, as well as pray for the well-being of community members amid the pandemic.

“In regards to COVID, to help and pray that the COVID situation doesn’t get worse,” Merasty said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno