A smudge walk will be held this Thursday for a man recovering from the collision that happened on April 30 at Amber and Queen Street East.
Organizer Danielle Fox-Moore, who is a friend of the family, said the motorcyclist, Robert Gionette, is “in good spirits,” but has “a long road ahead of him” after needing to have an arm amputated after it was badly injured in the collision.
The love and support he has received have helped a lot, Fox-Moore said, adding that Gionette is smiling more after receiving visits from friends and family.
“He has a new lease on life . . . he’s found his reasons to live again,” said Fox-Moore, who is from Piapot Cree Nation, Sask.
“He’s been sitting, and he was walking a bit. He’s doing incredibly well.”
Fox-Moore said Gionette has not heard anything from police about the investigation.
She’s hoping the walk will help people heal.
“The accident left more than just physical debris; it left behind emotional and spiritual residue that many in the community can still feel,” Fox-Moore said.
Some of the fragments from the crash remain on the ground, she said, “and that lack of proper cleanup has made it difficult for people” — especially those close to Gionette — to find closure.
“Through this walk, we are calling on the spirit of the land and our teachings to help us cleanse that space, to release the trauma and sorrow that linger there, and to transform it into a place of peace and healing.”
Fox-Moore said they will be walking with intention, “carrying our prayers and our tobacco ties, asking the Creator to help lift the heaviness and restore balance.” Starting at 4 p.m., Thursday’s walk will begin at 71 Lorna Dr. and end at the site of the collision, Amber and Queen East.
The ceremony will begin with a traditional smudge, which involves the use of sacred medicines such as sage, cedar, sweetgrass, and tobacco, to purify individuals, the space, and the collective energy, she said.
"As we walk, participants will carry tobacco ties made from seven different colours of cloth, each colour representing one of the Seven Grandfather Teachings: humility, bravery, honesty, wisdom, truth, respect, and love. These ties carry our prayers, intentions, and hopes. They will be burned in the sacred fire after the walk, serving as a ceremonial offering to the Creator."
Ted Recollet will lead the walk and ceremony while Elder Barbara Day will also provide support.
"Following the walk and fire, we will share in a community feast, offering space for reflection, nourishment, and unity."
This is a drug- and alcohol-free event. Fox-Moore said all members of the community are welcome to attend and bring drums, ribbon skirts or ribbon shirts, tobacco ties if they have prepared any, and comfortable walking shoes.
A GoFundMe page will be created soon to help Gionette raise funds to get a prosthetic arm, Fox-Moore said.
SooToday reached out to Lincoln Louttit, corporate communications manager at Sault Police, on Wednesday afternoon for an update on the investigation but did not receive a response.