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Nature walk meant to inspire, educate local writers

Apr 7, 2018 | 12:00 PM

A nature walk about how the land can comfort and heal the heart is underway today on Lac La Ronge.

About a dozen hikers left the Nut Point Campground at 10:30 a.m. to participate in the special event led by cultural educator Eleanor Hegland in conjunction with the Alex Robertson Public Library’s artist/writer-in-residence Miriam Korner. Hegland said the nature walk, which includes a hike to a nearby island, a campfire and an outdoor writing session, is meant to educate attendees on Cree teachings.

“We’re going to collectively eat and drink together, and share stories about our experiences and how we relate to water and the land,” she said. “I usually do nature walks in the summer with southern people and we go out and teach people about different plants. This is just a winter one.”

Hegland said she plans on teaching participants about the health benefits of chaga, which grows on birch trees. Chaga is becoming more known throughout the world because of it’s medicinal properties, she said, noting it can be made into a tea to stay energized and to treat an upset stomach.