The group of walkers reached Stanley Mission on Aug. 12. (Sue Mckenzie/Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

coming together

Stanley Mission wellness walkers complete sixth annual awareness trek

Aug 15, 2022 | 4:24 PM

Stanley Mission resident, Sally Ratt, says the emotions she felt during a suicide awareness walk from Prince Albert to Stanley Mission were unexplainable.

Ratt began participating in the walk in 2017, but explained this year marked the first time her oldest son, Jason Roberts Jr., joined her and a small group of others on the 320-km trek.

The group left Prince Albert on Aug. 5 and arrived in La Ronge on Aug. 10 for an overnight stop and candlelight vigil. They reached Stanley Mission on Aug. 12.

Ratt and her son were walking in memory of her daughter, Ariana Roberts, who died in October 2016.

“I was gifted a feather in memory of my late daughter,” Ratt said. “I was told to carry it while we walked and we carried that feather together into Stanley Mission. It was more emotional for me because of that.”

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In the years since Ariana passed away, Ratt stated she had done a lot of healing and her mental health has improved. She continues to partake in counseling, which she also credits for the improvement in her health.

Ratt mentioned new walkers have joined the group throughout the years and she added anyone is free to do so. She said it’s important for the walk to continue to show those who struggling, because they lost someone to suicide, or those who are contemplating, that they are not alone.

“We’re hoping to prevent it. We’re still hoping to get help,” Ratt said. “We’re trying to show people we care, that they are loved and we are there if they ever need to talk. It would be better to hear them instead of going to their funeral.”

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of self-harm or experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact:

• Canada Suicide Prevention Service – 833-456-4566)
• Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service – 306-933-6200)
• Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit – 306-764-1011
• Regina Mobile Crisis Services – 306-525-5333
• Hope for Wellness Help Line (provides culturally competent crisis intervention counseling support for Indigenous peoples) – 1-855-242-3310

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno