2014 NAIG Lance Run kicks off in Prince Albert

The Lance Run for the North American Indigenous Games 2014 is more than an athletic event. It is also a spiritual journey that involves vision, prayer and community.

It was a tremendous honor for the Prince Albert Grand Council to be chosen as the beginning of this journey. Prince Albert was where the North American Indigenous Games was held in 1993 and to honor the work that was done at those games, the decision was made to make Prince Albert Grand Council headquarters the launch spot.

The morning of the launch was an opportunity for local chiefs, organizers and runners to participate in a pipe ceremony to pray for the physical and spiritual well being of the runners and the people they will meet along the way. Following were speeches, prayers, dancers and drummers from Wahpeton Dakota Nation. Organizers and community members were also encouraged to participate in the prayers and honouring the runners and the journey.

“The Lance Run is very steeped in Aboriginal culture and spiritual infusion,” says Lance Run Coordinator, Allan Ross. “We had a sweatlodge and feast before the event. It is a spiritual journey.”

The ten athletes participating in this adventure were nominated from across the province and then chosen based on their ability to be role models. For these young people the run will mean physical endurance, but will also provide them with an opportunity to meet with aboriginal people across the province to share their stories.

“Many communities we have been in contact with are really rolling out the red carpet for us,” Ross says.”

“We have heard that some places will have entertainment and music, local dignitaries and feasts. Softball games are planned for our young people as well as a Karaoke night. So, this run is a lot of fun and very exciting for the kids.”

Ross adds that the Mayor of La Ronge will be joining the Lance runners into and out of his community. Some reserves will have horses and rides along the way.

Story and Photos by Karen Cay  (see gallery below) *except photos of Batoche, those photos by Marnie Ross

The communities visited by the run also includes:

July 1, 12 p.m. – Batoche Arrival and Event

July 1, 4:30 p.m. – Saskatoon at Wanuskewin Heritage Park

July 2, 11:30 a.m. – North Battleford at Western Development Museum

July 2, 4:00 p.m. – Flying Dust First Nation

July 3, 11:30 p.m. – Waterhen Lake First Nation

July 3, 4:30 p.m. – Canoe Lake First Nation

July 4, 12 p.m. – Ile-a-la-Crosse

July 5 – Lac La Ronge where the team will be having a rest day.

July 6, 11 a.m. – Lac La Ronge Indian Band

July 7, 11:30 a.m. – Montreal Lake First Nation

July 7, 5 p.m. – Nipawin

July 8, 11:30 a.m. – James Smith Cree Nation

July 8, 6 p.m. – Cote First Nation

July 9, 11:30 a.m. – Yorkton Friendship Centre

July 10, 11:30 a.m. – Peepeekisis First Nation

July 10, 4 p.m. – Ochapawace First Nation

July 11, 10 a.m. – Ocean Man First Nation

July 11, 12 p.m. – Pheasant Rump First Nation

July 11, 4 p.m. – Whitebear First Nation Arrival

July 18, 10 a.m. – Fort Qu’Appelle

July 18, 4 p.m. – Standing Buffalo First Nation there will be an event and the group will stay the night.

July 19, 11:30 a.m. – Piapot First Nation

July 19, 5 p.m. will be the Regina VIP Indigenous Leaders Night and

July 20, 2 p.m. will be the Opening Ceremonies at Mosaic Stadium for the North American Indigenous Games.

GALLERY: NAIG Lance Runners begin the journey from Prince Albert, SK