The 215 birch bark canoes were made at the urban reserve throughout the week. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

residential schools

Sacred fire ends in La Ronge with launch of 215 birch bark rafts

Jun 4, 2021 | 3:41 PM

A four-day sacred fire in La Ronge came to an end Friday with the release of 215 handmade birch bark rafts.

Dozens of people attended a closing ceremony at the urban reserve this afternoon, which featured guest speakers, drummers and a round dance. It also included a rather special moment when attendees each said a prayer before launching 215 birch bark rafts on Lac La Ronge.

Men of the North founder Christopher Merasty explained the release had two meanings. The first was to honour the remains of 215 children found on the site of a former residential school in Kamloops. The second meaning hits closer to home for many tri-community residents.

“[It was] kind of a representation of the boat that used to come across the lake going around picking up all of the Indigenous children from their traplines, cabins and all of that, and bringing them back to the Indian residential school that was built at the urban reserve way back when,” he said.

The birch bark rafts were constructed by Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) Prevention and Recovery staff, children and other community members.

health care

RBC Foundation gifts $7,500 to assist in training La Ronge nurses

Apr 24, 2024

town council

Strong opposition for downtown homeless shelter ahead of Tuesday public hearing

Apr 22, 2024

long-term care

La Ronge housing shortage discussed at SUMA convention

Apr 18, 2024

The four-day sacred fire began Monday when more than 100 residents wore orange shirts and marched from the LLRIB office to the urban reserve in La Ronge. LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson announced that day ground penetrating radar would be brought in to examine the town’s historic cemetery as there could be unknown residential school victims there too.

Attendees at the urban reserve about to cross the street for the lake. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

It was a hot and sunny day in La Ronge on Friday as the rafts were launched. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“It was such an honour to have so many people come out, pay their respect, show their support and honour those families and the Indian residential school survivors that are still with us here today,” Merasty said. “It was very emotional. Lots of healing done throughout the week for sure.”

LLRIB Coun. Linda Charles of Stanley Mission was in attendance and she thanked the organizers for hosting this week’s events. She told the crowd the events were about remembering the children who never made it home from residential school.

“All of those children that went there and never made it home, or the ones that came back but had to endure the suffering that was done. All the harm that was done,” she said. “We remember them and we continue to pray for them. As you all stand here today, continue your prayers for the families that continue to suffer.”

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno