Carrying on a tradition – Wahnapitae diabetes walk

Members of the Wahnapitae First Nation will revive a tradition that has been dormant for nearly two years, on Oct. 24.

A wampom belt and leather map that have travelled around the province via human power for more than 15 years will start a new leg in its journey when Dave Nichols of Wanapitei picks the belt up in Capreol next weekend.

“The belt's originator is a man named Joe Jacobs and it has a leather map with it that shows all of the First Nations that it has been to,” said Nichols. “I met Joe at a friend's funeral two years ago and he had the belt with him and I told him that I wanted to get this tradition started again.”

The belt will be delivered to Capreol from Jacobs' home in Cornwall next weekend and the members of the Wahnapitae First Nation will travel with it from Capreol back to Wahnapitae, where it will reside for the next six to eight months.

“It was really important to get it when we are getting it because I've been trying to get this going since mid-summer and it's going to be winter pretty soon,” said Nichols, who will be entrusted with the belt until it heads out next summer.

Nichols hopes that there will be a strong turnout as the walk is also to raise awareness around diabetes. The belt has a First Nations saying on it that is translated to, “our blood is sweet”.

“First Nations people are very susceptible to diabetes and this is a good opportunity for us to let people know what this and to spread awareness,” said Nichols.

Those interested in participating in the walk can meet at the post office in Capreol, on Vaughan Avenue at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 24 and the walk to Wahnapitae will take between three to four hours.

"We'll be walking with a vehicle escort," said Nichols. "Anyone can take part, because diabetes affects all people."