Fisher River Cree Nation: Unity Run

Press Release

July 04, 2016

Unity Run from Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) to Opaskwayak Cree Nation to Fisher River Cree Nation (est. 940 km)

Contacts/Attention:

Raquel Mason – Fisher River Cree Nation, MB: (204) 645-2171 | Fax (204) 645-2745
Cynthia Lapatak – Saddle Lake Cree Nation, AB: (780) 726-7612/Cell (780) 646-0141 | Fax (780) 726-3259
Gloria McKay – Pimicikamak Cree Nation, MB: (204) 939-0282
Facebook Group 2016 UNITY RUN – National Cree Gathering in Fisher River Cree Nation
Fax: Unity Runner Information pages 7-10 along with your ESSAY

Policy & Guidelines

For the entirety of the Unity Run respect is the utmost importance and youth will respect oneself, others, and any and all communities and its members encountered along the way.

We promote the medicine wheel aspect, (Spiritual, Mental, Emotional, & Physical). Sacred pipes will be present and will travel with the Elders, youth and Chaperones on the Unity Run.

Profanity and stealing will not be tolerated; we encourage youth to leave valuables at home (e.g. I-pods, laptops, Nintendo DSI, PSP, etc.);

Absolutely no Alcohol/Drugs, anyone caught in violation, will be asked by the elders and the Advisory Council to make a public apology. This will also include immediate dismissal;

Repeated infractions of guidelines will result in dismissal from the Unity Run;

The Unity Run is voluntary, however due to the nature of the run participants are required to sign a release of liability form and save free from liability all event organizers and participating Cree Nations in the case of accidents whether they are negligent or not;

The Unity Run will be very enduring requiring everyone to keep a positive and open mind and heart; everyone will be expected to participate in the morning and evening circles;

As we are promoting strong family values on the Unity Run, representing our respective Cree Nations, participants are expected to respect codes of behaviour with positive and good moral conduct;

No firearms or weapons of any sort will be allowed;

Security and Supervision will be provided by young men of all participating Cree Nations.

TEAMS:

– No limits of participants.
– There is a minimum of 5 teams for the journey but will change according to the amount of runners who are in Cross Lake when we depart.
– Each team shall have 10 runners at all times.
– Ten runners shall represent 10 kilometres at all times.
– Minimum spares from each team shall be no less than 2 and no more than 4.
– Each community can select colors for their team at the beginning of the run or upon registrations before the Unity Run.
– These items will be discussed and determined by all coordinator(s) of the run.

Method of the Run:

– Each team will be assigned a minimum of 10 km per day;
– Each team will run a maximum of 100 km per day;
– Headsets, etc. will not be allowed due to safety reasons during the run;
– Each color must always be in view to avoid confusion;
– The following sequence of the run will apply throughout the duration of the run;
– Start time in the a.m. preferably before 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the latest;
– Conclude the run before sundown and set camp and retire for the night;
– Method of the run will apply. Teams will do 20 kilometres each relay style;
– Each team is required to have a team leader. This leader will sit on the advisory council with coordinator(s) and elder(s);
– Team leader must keep records of kilometres assigned of each runner;
– All runners must respect and listen to team leader (coordinator);
– All team leaders must respect and listen to runners;
– Team leaders are asked to bring grievances /concerns to the advisory council at each evening circle for prompt action and to maintain balance and harmony on the run;
– Safety must be compulsory;
– Male and female representation is requested;
– The teams must never be more than 100 kilometres apart during the run;
– The teams must convene at every 100 kilometres;
– Each team must always practice safety precautions;
– Phones/radios are required. Cell phones must be on at all times to ensure adequate communications are responding on availability;

Roles and Responsibilities of Elders, Advisory and Security

– Each Cree Nation is asked to provide 1 security personnel;
– Elders and advisory Council shall be the governing body and consist of the following:
Male and female elder.
1 advisory council member from each First Nation.
1 Spokesperson.
– Consensus shall make a decision;
– All members must attend morning and evening sessions;
– The role of the elder(s) is to provide guidance and lend their wisdom to promote the Health, Welfare & Safety of all participants during the course of the journey; FRCN –NCG – Unity Run 2016;
– The role of the Advisory Council and security are to undertake any direction given from the elders to the highest standards and with the utmost respect. The elders will be available for direction and guidance throughout the run;
– Elders will: be responsible for morning and evening sessions;
– Delegate someone to carry the Eagle staff;
– Have the advisory council and security persons carry out any requests;
– To ensure that peace, harmony, health, welfare, and safety prevail.
– Advisory council will:
– Work closely with and take direction from elders;
– Bring forth, resolve conflicts, and concerns with the direction of elders.
– Security people will:
– Take directions from the elders and advisory council;
– Derive their powers and authority from the elders and advisory council;
– Endorse the policy and guidelines established by elders and advisory council;
– Provide security 24 hours a day;
– Have the authority to extinguish camp fires at a pre-determined time as decided by the elders and advisory council;
– Supervise journey and camp;
– Be responsible for the safety and well-being of all elders, women, men, children, and youth.

THINGS TO BRING:
– TENT
– SLEEPING BAG(S), PILLOW, MATTRESS/SPONGE
– TOWELS
– SWIMMING GEAR
– JACKET FOR THE EVENINGS
– HYGIENE PRODUCTS → SHAMPOO, SOAP, DEODERANT, TOOTHBRUSH, PASTE, ETC.
– GOOD PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES, CHANGE OF CLOTHING FOR THE NUMBER OF DAYS STATED ON THE NEXT PAGE
– SWEAT GEAR → TOWEL, SHORTS (YOUNG MEN) & SKIRT/DRESS (YOUNG WOMEN)
– FEAST BAG → DISH, BOWL, CUP, UNTENSILS, ETC
– IDENTIFICATION
– CELL PHONE OR A PAY-N-TALK PHONE (WITH MINUTES)

Itinerary – Draft → Subject to change

Sunday, July 31, 2016
All participating communities depart from their home communities respectively and make their way to Cross Lake First Nation.
Upon Arrival: Camp set up; Elder/Youth Circle & Sweat set up

Monday, August 1, 2016
Discussion with youth on protocols
Discussion with youth on recent emotional happenings in Cross Lake
Pipe ceremony – TBC/TBD
9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00–3:00 p.m. Session with Elders and Youth
TBD Sweat lodge

Tuesday, August 2, 2016
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 -10:00 a.m. Morning Circle and leave Cross Lake for Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Arrive in Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB and set up camp.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 -10:00 a.m. Morning Circle and leave Opaskwayak Cree Nation for Fairford, MB
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Arrive in Fairford, MB and set up camp.

Thursday, August 4, 2016
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 -10:00 a.m. Morning Circle and leave Fairford, MB for Fisher River Cree Nation
2:00-3:00 p.m. UNITY RUNNERS ARRIVE in Fisher River Cree Nation to open the “2016 National Cree Gathering Ceremonies”

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