Annual Anishinaabe Spirit Run: Theme — “Mind, Body, Spirit, Heart”

Young people are very much a part of the Spirit Run, all ages are welcome to participate in some or all of the run. (2018 run)

Published July 21, 2019

Story by Reyna Lussier, edit by Michael Meuers, Photos by Michael Meuers

RED LAKE INDIAN RESERVATION —  Mind, Body, Spirit, Heart is the theme of the 23^rd Annual Spirit Run, (formerly “sobriety run”) sponsored by the Red Lake Chemical Health programs of Red Lake. The Leech Lake youth chemical dependency prevention programs and the Mash Ka Wisen treatment center of Sawyer, Minnesota will also co-sponsor the event.

At Paul Bunyan Drive and 1st street in Nymore near the Sanford Center. (2018 run)

The 200-mile journey will kick off with an opening ceremony and remarks at 10:00 a.m. July 31st at the Red Lake Powwow grounds and will conclude August 3^rd in Sawyer, MN where runners will carry eagle staffs into the sobriety powwow arena at the Mash Ka wisen treatment center. Using the Native American medicine wheel as a guide, this year’s participants will carry a message of wellness and balance in mind, body, spirit and emotions.

Rough Agenda: July 31, August 1 – 3, 2019

Anishinaabe Spirit Run – Distance 200-mile relay style – All Runners Welcome!

Times Approximate

Day One, July 31

10:00 a.m. Opening ceremony and smudging of Staffs at Red Lake Powwow Grounds

10:30 a.m. Depart for Leech Lake

5:00 p.m.   Arrive at Leech Lake

Day Two, August 1

10:00 a.m. Depart Leech Lake for Grand Rapids

5:00 p.m.   Arrive at Grand Rapids

Day Three, August 2

10:00 a.m. Depart Grand Rapids

5:00 p.m.  Arrive at Floodwood

Day Four, August 3

9:00 a.m.   Depart Floodwood for Fond du Lac. Arrive at the Mash-ka-wisen pow-wow grounds around Grand Entry time for the start of the Annual Celebration of Sobriety.

Statement by Red Lake Spiritual Leader Gichi-Ma’iingan (Larry Stillday) at the 2013 Spirit Run

“The run is of historical, cultural and spiritual significance. I’ve been out there doing invocations for the runners. The run is a prayer. The first day is run for those suffering, the second day is run for gratefulness for positive things.

“A message is carried for all families. The run has adopted this principle. It’s more than about alcohol and drugs, it’s about wellness and health in the broadest sense. When the run sends its energy into the inter-connective web, it is spiritually significant, we are dealing with the web of life. 

“People who are in the city will feel it…they will feel it, and in the same manner you will feel humility. This is the teaching; Elders say the spirit is constantly in motion. The person running activates emotion, which goes into the rhythm of life. That’s how connected we are, connected to all people, and all living things.” ~Gichi-Ma’iingan, (Big Wolf) ROAD TO PONEMAH: The Teachings of Larry Stillday by Michael Meuers