FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron talked about his own battle with drugs and alcohol during a speech to hundreds of people at the annual North Central Smudge Walk in Regina today.
He says he has been clean and sober for six years and thanks his grandmother and his creator for giving him the life he now has.
It was a bold admission for the chief, but one he felt compelled to make. He says sharing his story might help others, and that is the message he wanted to deliver to the hundreds of young people taking part in the annual walk.
“The elders I spoke to said, ‘You have now been six years sober, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences with others’,” he said. “It shows the youth and shows many others that it can be done. It can be done through prayers, through support systems and through inner healing.”
The smudge walk is a tradition that began in 2009 after Maclean’s magazine published an article calling North Central Regina the worst neighbourhood in Canada. The walk is part of a healing and cleansing exercise that has grown each year. Newly-elected Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme got a round of applause as he delivered a message of hope and inspiration. He says leaders need to do more.
“Yes, the smudge walk cleanses the neighbourhood,” he said. “But where is the mentorship for our young ones? Where is the protection for our young ones?”
There were lots of dignitaries, police, and community leaders in the crowd — and there were plenty of young people, who all had their own reason for attending.
“I want to help create a happier, healthier place,” said a young, teenaged girl at the gathering.
After a 40-minute walk through the streets of Regina’s highest crime rate neighbourhood, the smudge walk ended with a community barbecue in a local park. As many as 500 people were expected to attend.
The Regina Police Service cultural unit has been part of the organizing team for the event since it began.