Rainy River First Nations and Weechi-it-te-win Family Services are working together to bring another healing walk to Fort Frances in recognition of Overdose Awareness Day.
The annual community gathering began as a memorial walk for Chauncey Grover of Couchiching First Nation, who suddenly passed away in April 2020, started by his sister, Chelsey Blackjack. It served to help keep those in recovery on the right track, build a community for people grieving and most of all, remind people that overdose deaths happen all the time and build awareness around prevention.
For several years, Blackjack organized and ran the event. However, after moving away from the area and being unable to continue doing so two years ago, Rainy River First Nations and the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNDAP) took on the responsibility of ensuring it carried on.
Lois Bradley, from Rainy River First Nations’ Addictions Team, said the walk is also a reminder to have patience, empathy and compassion when encountering someone dealing with substance abuse issues, because no one is beyond hope.
“So many people walk down the street and just say ‘There’s another druggie.’” Bradley told The Times.
“Well, that druggie could’ve been your child; you don’t know what led them there,” she said. “This one girl, she was down and out looking hopeless. Now she’s turned her life around and is in her first year of nursing.”
Bradley said small acts, like the walk, can motivate people to seek help and set their lives on a better course.
The walk will be held Aug. 31, with opening remarks from Chief Jim Leonard of Rainy River First Nations beginning at 10 a.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina, with the walk itself starting at 10:30 a.m.
Participants will walk from the marina, west down Front Street until Victoria Avenue, then up to Scott Street and finally to the UNFC, where a barbecue and social gathering will be held.
A medical van will follow the walkers in case of emergency.
Volunteers are encouraged to come and assist with the set up and tear down of the event. If interested in helping, contact Bradley by texting (807) 276-9075.
