A sacred fire has been lit on Walpole Island, following two tragic incidents on the First Nation reserve this week.
“Due to the recent pedestrian vehicle fatalities and respect of the individual’s spirit and their families a sacred fire will be lit at the Walpole Island Sports Complex on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 6 p.m. and will go until the funerals of the families affected by these tragedies,” Stacey Nahdee, a Walpole Island resident, posted on social media.
“The sacred fire is a portal for us to take our thoughts and prayers to creator about the incidences, to offer our prayers to support the individual changing worlds, and to offer support to the families and community affected.”
Nahdee added: “The spirit and intent of this fire is to offer prayers and support for our community, where everyone matters. This sacred fire in no way imparts that the individual or the family actively participates in ceremonial practices other than believing in a higher power that is always present.”
Donations of firewood, medicines, refreshments, snacks, singing and firekeepers are welcomed. Nahdee added.
“While at the fire we ask that everyone please follow the values you have learned about living Mino-Biimaadziwin – The Good Life,” Nahdee said.
“For more information you can reply online at the social media post, private message option, or contact me at 226-627-9133.”
Walpole Island First Nation Council also issued a notice to the community on social media.
“Our prayers and condolences go out to the community and loved ones,” the Council posted on social media.
“Ontario Works office remains open with reduced staff. Please be patient as staff do our best to serve you.”
Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig, the elementary school on Walpole Island, announced they will be closed Thursday and Friday this week, in the wake of the tragedies.
“Please be advised that the WIFN Chief and Council have announced through our Director of Lifelong Learning that the school will be closed Thursday and Friday June 23-24 for community-wide days of mourning,” the school posted.
“We will re-open on Monday, June 27 with regular busing and drop offs at 8:20 a.m. Our heartfelt condolences and wishes for peace go to the families and friends of all those affected by these two tragic incidents.”
Lambton OPP officials say emergency crews responded on June 20, 2022 at 11:30 p.m. to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle on Chief’s Road.
The individual was transported to hospital where they were later pronounced deceased.
More details, here.
Lambton OPP officials say on June 22, 2022, shortly before 5 a.m., emergency crews responded to the report of two cyclists being struck by a vehicle on River Road.
The cyclists were pronounced deceased and the driver was transported to hospital with serious injuries.
More details, here.
We’ll provide more details as they become available.
