Anishinaabe Spirit Run for Sobriety and Health

Red Lake Chemical Health in collaboration with Red Lake Economic Development and Leech Lake Youth Programs will participate in the 22nd Annual Anishinaabe Spirit Run from Red Lake to Fond du Lac on August 1 - 4, 2018. Runners will depart the Red Lake Powwow Grounds on August 1, about 10 am, and finish up on August 4 about 7 pm at the Mash-ka-wisen Pow-wow Grounds in Sawyer, MN

I wanted to share with you how Red Lake Spiritual Leader and Spiritual Advisor for Chemical Health Larry Stillday, (now passed) described the Spirit Run. The press release and Larry's statement is attached as a word doc, with a rough agenda below.

Statement by Red Lake Spiritual Leader Gichi-Ma'iingan (Larry Stillday) at the 2013 Spirit Run

"The run is of historical, cultural and spiritual significance. I've been out there doing invocations for the runners. The run is a prayer. The first day is run for those suffering, the second day is run for gratefulness for positive things.

"A message is carried for all families. The run has adopted this principle. It's more than about alcohol and drugs; it's about wellness and health in the broadest sense. When the run sends its energy into the inter-connective web, it is spiritually significant, we are dealing with the web of life.

"People who are in the city will feel it...they will feel it, and in the same manner you will feel humility. This is the teaching; Elders say the spirit is constantly in motion. The person running activates emotion, which goes into the rhythm of life. That's how connected we are, connected to all people, and all living things." ~Gichi-Ma'iingan, (Big Wolf) ROAD TO PONEMAH: The Teachings of Larry Stillday by Michael Meuers

A rough agenda:

Anishinaabe Spirit Run for Sobriety and Health

Distance: 200-Mile Relay Style - All Runners Welcome!

August 1 - 4, 2018

To celebrate and promote healthy lifestyles and wellness, an Eagle Staff run from Red Lake Nation to Fon-du-lac for the Celebration of Sobriety Pow Wow takes place for the 22nd time beginning Wednesday, August 1. Parents or Adults must accompany children under 16. Bring your own tent and sleeping bag. Meals will be provided.

Day One

10:00 a.m. Opening ceremony and smudging of Staffs at Red Lake Powwow Grounds

10:30 a.m. Depart for Leech Lake Veterans Grounds

5:00 p.m. Arrive at Leech Lake Pow-wow Grounds for feast, and camping

Day Two

10:00 a.m. Depart Leech Lake for Grand Rapids Camp Grounds

3:00 p.m. Arrive at Grand Rapids for picnic, and Camping

Day Three

10:00 a.m. Depart Grand Rapids and end at Floodwood

5:00 p.m. Arrive at Floodwood, and return to Grand Rapids Camp Grounds

Day Four

9:00 a.m. Depart Floodwood for Fond du Lac. Arrive at the Mash-ka-wisen pow-wow grounds around Grand Entry time (7pm) for the start of the Annual Celebration of Sobriety.

For info Contact: Reyna Lussier at 218-679-1547 of Red Lake Chemical Health Programs