The run is expected to last for 12 days before the group reaches North Battleford. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Tony Cote Summer Games

Sacred lance leaves La Ronge for North Battleford

Jul 15, 2026 | 4:06 PM

A more than 600-kilometer journey for the sacred lance is officially underway as 32 runners left La Ronge on Wednesday, bound for North Battleford in advance of the Tony Cote Summer Games.

The runners consist of 16 boys and girls from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and another 16 youth from the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs. They will carry the lance approximately 50 kms every day with the goal of being in North Battlefords in time for the opening ceremony on July 26.

The runners were given a sendoff during the annual Family Wellness Gathering at the urban reserve in La Ronge. Olympians Billy Mills and Waneek Horn-Miller were the special guests who spoke to the athletes before they departed.

“I would like to challenge you as you are on this sacred journey,” Mills, who earned a gold medal in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, said.

“Just think of a virtue or a value of your culture, your traditions, your spirituality. Think about it. Put it into your life where you will permanently use it.”

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Mills told the youth they are on a sacred journey and he was honoured to speak to them prior to the trip.

Horn-Miller, who competed at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney in water polo, reminded the runners that even younger people than themselves will be looking up to them, just as she looked up to Mills.

“I’m sure he never knew that I was watching, but they’re watching, so don’t give up, don’t give in,” Horn-Miller remarked.

“If you need to walk a couple steps, if you need to take a break, take it, but always show up and keep running. You do that for your whole life and you will inspire everybody who watches you to never ever stop going for what they dream and what they hope.”

During their journey, the runners will be hosted by a number of First Nations along the way including Canoe Lake Cree First Nation, English River First Nation, Flying Dust First Nation, Saulteaux First Nation and Waterhen Lake First Nation.

The Tony Cote Summer Games is a major event held every two years. It brings together thousands of athletes, families and visitors for nearly a week of sports.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

Sacred lance leaves La Ronge for North Battleford

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