09/01/2026
Gichi-Miigwech to Chief Jim Leonard II and Mayor Andrew Hallikas for providing opening remarks at yesterday’s annual Overdose Awareness Healing Walk, and to RRFN Elders Dorothy for beginning the gathering with an opening prayer and Art Hunter for rendering an opening song.
Yesterday’s Healing Walk was a collaborative effort spearheaded by Rainy River First Nations with collaboration from Binesiwag Center for Wellness, The United Native Friendship Centre, Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services, Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre, Treaty Three Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police. and Weechi-it-te-win Family Services.
Together, our organizations were proud to help bring community members together to remember those we have lost, support those who continue to struggle, reduce stigma, and raise awareness about the impact of drug overdose in our families and communities.
Miigwech to all of the Elders, Singers, speakers, walk participants, agency workers, volunteers, police officers, and community members who joined us and shared messages of hope, healing, remembrance, and support.
The strength of events like this comes from working together. Gichi-Miigwech to everyone who helped make this year’s Overdose Awareness Healing Walk possible.
