by Karina Hunter

Survivors walk the first lap led by bagpiper, Ken McIntyre and the Royal Canadian Legion colour guard.

Friday,June 26^th Manitouwadge hosted Relay for Life for the community and region, sponsored by Barrick Gold.  Relay for life, the Canadian Cancer Society’s
annual signature fundraising event, is held in communities across the country.  Over 100 people, in teams of 4, from Manitouwadge, Marathon, Pic River, Heron Bay were registered to make the 12 hour walk. Participants; cancer survivors, their families and volunteers, rallied at the community baseball field to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to the disease and commit to fighting back against all cancers.  

This year’s event was open to all and with the addition of “Storefronts” to the tent village, offered something for everyone who came out in support of the cause. Storefronts are booths with a variety of wares available to encourage team spirit and of course raise more funds.  Among the many booths were t-shirts and other merchandise with the Canadian Cancer Society’s messages, face painting, brush cuts, a bake sale, tarot card readings, fingernail painting and more. To keep participants fueled, there was a giant barbecue with hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments as well as banic and homemade jams for sale well into the evening.

Survivors and their families were honored at a welcoming reception prior to the opening ceremonies.  Diane Richmond from Pic River performed an aboriginal healing song, her inspirational drumming and vocals resonating across the community, drawing crowds of hundreds to the realy. Organizer Natalie Labée welcomed those in attendance and introduced guest speaker, Pat Ramirez, Regional Director of the Northwestern Region of the Canadian Cancer Society. Ramirez thanked participants and sponsors for their efforts giving a brief summary of the assistance regional cancer patients have received to date. Led by bagpiper, Ken McIntyre and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 242 color guard, survivors walked their ceremonial first lap around the track before being joined by their caregivers and loved ones. Spectators applause continued strong throughout the first laps. banic blueberry preserves

Entertainment throughout the evening included vocalist Erica Magsen and her band, Manitouwadge Line Dancers, and country/classic rock band “Six Pack”. At dusk, Diane Richmond once again took the stage, her ceremonial drum and song accompanied the lighting of luminary candles that lined the inner circumference of the track. Participants and the general public 

Early Saturday morning the “Fight Back” (closing) ceremony was held. The Pic River Mannedoes Apinnewin team, dressed in their regalia and proudly carrying their Eagle Feather Staff led the way singing a traditional traveling song as participants carrying the huge “Celebrate”, “Remember” and “Fight Back” banners followed behind. The remaining participants poured on to the track waving smaller Fight Back flags, beautifully winding up the very successful event. Leaving the ball field, participants re-grouped at the Golden Age Club for a pancake breakfast on their way home for some well deserved rest.

26 teams, various sponsors and “Storefront” booths in the tent village raised in excess of $12,000. Top pledge earner was Dominique Lapointe of Heron Bay having raised $375. Top Team was Pic River’s Mannedoes Apinnewin Team with a total of $1,487 in pledges collected. The Team Spirit Award was presented to the Big Hearts Team. Event organizer, Natalie Labbée was pleased with support for the event “Manitouwadge really came through, as did Barrick Gold and all our sponsors”.  Labbee shared that plans are already underway for next year as Manitouwadge will be hosting once again.

Submitted to the Chronicle Journal, June 28th, 2009