The ceremony was originally expected to occur in March. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

family support

Four-day sacred fire ceremony near La Ronge underway

Apr 9, 2021 | 1:46 PM

A four-day sacred fire with multiple solidarity walks began this afternoon in the tri-communities.

The Family Support Awareness Campaign is organized by Men of the North and began with a smudge walk at 1 p.m. at the urban reserve to Morin’s Hill. A limited number of residents were permitted to participate in the walk as per COVID-19 guidelines.

Men of the North founder Christopher Merasty explained the smudge walk is a cleansing event to rid the community, environment and oneself of negative energy.

“That’s going to represent, while we are walking, to give a sense of peace and tranquility when we are walking our streets of La Ronge,” he said. “To bless the streets and allow people to strive in continuing to move forward and continue living a healthy and positive lifestyle.”

The afternoon’s walk was followed by the ceremonial lifting of a teepee and sacred pipe, before the sacred fire was lit. Merasty noted four local residents will serve as fire keepers and work in 12-hour shifts, but added any local men interested in watching the fire can do so if they wish.

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Inside the teepee there will also be an alter where the residents are encouraged to place items of a late loved one. The ceremony is meant to assist with the healing process and encourage communication between family and friends.

“The fire keepers are there to watch the fire, as well as watch the alter,” Merasty said. “They don’t allow people to come in around the fire or to disrespect the fire in any way.”

The ceremony will continue until Monday when the final solidarity walk will be held. Those who were unable to walk this afternoon or weren’t able to because of restrictions, are welcome to join other walks on Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

Those who want to learn more about this weekend’s ceremony can do so here.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno