A healing walk will shine the light on addictions in the Fort Frances area.

It is being organized by a group of citizens concerned about the number of overdoses occurring in the community in recent years.

Shannon Stone is one of the organizers.

She says the walk aims to help bring healing to those who have lost loved ones and offer support to those struggling with addictions.

“For the people who are still out there and struggling with addiction, we just want to be there and show their support and let them know that they’re not alone,” says Stone.

Stone says it was the tragic death of 16-year-old Tre Windego that was the inspiration for the walk.

She says Tre was well-liked and respected and lost his life too soon.

“I know a lot of his friends, and they are struggling with the loss of their friends. There’s not a lot of support for youth when it comes to death, whether it’s through overdose, suicide, or natural causes. There’s just not a lot of support for our youth. So that was one of the main reasons.”

The walk will begin at the United Native Friendship Centre at 1 p.m.

Participants will march to the Nugget motel where Tre’s died.

“We’re going to be following a drum group singing a healing song, and the walkers will follow behind them. And then we’re going to head to the Nugget where we’re going to have a quick discussion on the importance of naloxone that will be put on by the health unit. They’ll be speaking about that, explaining how to use it, and also handing out some kits there.”

Lunches will be handed out to those in need before the walkers return to UNFC for more speeches.

Stone says there will be two elders and two counsellors that will be available to anyone wanting to talk to them.

People are being asked to wear orange for Every Child Matters, or purple for overdose awareness.

There will also be shirts available with the phrase Bring Our Children Home and a picture of Tre on the back.