THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic together with other NAN leadership, Elders and youth are planning to participate in the annual NAN Day of Prayer on Wednesday, November 14, 2012. A special radio program will be broadcast on Wawatay Radio and a special gathering will be held at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in Thunder Bay.
“Together we recognize today, the struggles and challenges the Nishnawbe Aski people have had to overcome to create a better life for our children,” said Deputy Grand Chief Kakegamic. “I believe in turning to our faith to share in the healing and reconciliation of our nation.”
Due to the lack of counseling and support services to address the high suicide rates within NAN territory, NAN Chiefs-in-Assembly declared the annual NAN Day of Prayer in 2002, setting aside one day each year for community healing. Through spiritual support and healing, NAN Day of Prayer draws community attention and support to the challenges and issues within NAN communities; such as youth suicide, family dysfunction, and substance abuse issues.
The day will begin with a Prayer Breakfast at the Da Vinci Centre from 8-10 am. A reflective service will take place from 2:00-3:30pm (EST) at the NAN main office. An evening celebration will follow from 6:30-9:30 pm at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School where it will web streamed and available to watch at www.nnec.ca.
