CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
The weather during the last two weeks of September was picture perfect for outdoor events throughout the Mille Lacs Band region. These events have been weaving unity into the fabric of the community of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Every step taken by each individual forms a collective sense of belonging and understanding. Smudge Walks were held in each of the Districts throughout the Reservation and the Nay Ah Shing Annual Fall Fun Run drew record numbers of community members together.
The Office of Chief Executive Wind, in collaboration with the Substance Use Disorder Department (SUDS), the Women’s Healing Circle, and the Men’s Empowerment Group to bring the Smudge Walk to Aazhoomog on Wednesday, September 18, Minisinaakwaang on Thursday, September 19, Meshakwad Meshakwad on Friday, September 20, Chiminising on Thursday, September 26, and Nay Ah Shing on Friday, September 27. Carrying signs about recovery, unity, Water over Nickel, health and support, Band members walked throughout neighborhoods of each district showing support for one another and the community.
The Annual Nay Ah Shing Fun Run has been taking place each year since 1995 linking the community with the schools and this year was no exception. Community members came out in droves to support the K-12 students from the Nay Ah Shing High School and Abinoojiiyag Elementary.
"Miigwech for such a great turn out and show of your support. It is very heart warming to see all Nay Ah Shing community participating, whether it was watching and cheering or walking and running with your family and friends. I'm honored and humbled to have organized such a positive biannual event for the past three decades," said Dominick Polito, Nay Ah Shing Abinoojiiyag School Physical Education.
Chief Executive Virgil Wind echoed the sentiment of connectivity. “Seeing the outpouring of support at each of these events, whether it was walking in one, or all of the smudge walks, or cheering on our students at the Fun Run, or walking or running beside them, is heart-warming. These events bring our community together and give us strength as individuals and as a tribe,” said Chief Executive Wind. “True healing starts when we are all connected, supporting one another and sharing the beauty of our culture. Together we have the strength to overcome anything.”
You may have seen these t-shirts all across the Reservation lands in recent weeks. NAS students, staff, and community members were asked to complete the sentence, "I help my community by _____." The phrases shown on the shirts are printed in their own words. The program was sponsored by the Waiverd Services Department.