By Derek Cornet

LLRIB’s Eleanor Hegland honoured as an environmental protector

Nov 12, 2018 | 9:00 AM

An advocate for traditional land-based learning in northern Saskatchewan, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Eleanor Hegland is being honoured as an environmental protector and knowledge keeper.

She will officially be recognized at the 2018 Strength of Our Women Awards Gala next week in Saskatoon, where the remaining winners will also be announced. Organized by the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission, Hegland said she was surprised to learn she would be awarded the title.

“I didn’t know what to think,” she said. “I was surprised and happy, because I want to promote our Mother Earth and treat her good.”

Hegland was nominated by Marcia Mirasty from Flying Dust First Nation for several reasons such as her expertise in Woodland Cree culture, language, gathering and preparation of traditional medicines to promote healing. Mirasty stated Hegland’s lifelong experiences, challenges and healing have provided her with the knowledge and skills to help others, adding she’s able to do so in an age appropriate and respectful manner.

To be an environmental protector, Hegland noted individuals must be on the land and be mindful of how it changes according to the seasons. She also added it’s important to communicate with the environment, because it will communicate back as well.

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“It’s like [plants] know how your heart is and what’s your intent,” Hegland said. “If you don’t know what medicine to pick or what you’re doing, they’ll probably hide on you. They know you feel that connection.”

Hegland is also respected by many people in the tri-communities for her efforts to combat mental illness and addictions. She said some times people come to her in the midst of a mental breakdown, and she’ll smudge with them and counsel them. Hegland will pray with the people who seek help and teach them how they can better themselves.

Other Lac La Ronge Indian Band members nominated for an award include Nancy Lafleur (education), and Regina Poitras along with granddaughters Aleisha Charles, Margaret Bird, Marcia Bird and Ariel Charles (leadership and advocacy).

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno