Councillor to walk to Sioux Lookout

Kingfisher Lake’s William Mekanak is planning a 600-kilometre walk on the winter road to raise funds for a Suboxone treatment centre.
“As a leader, it’s time to help these clients that are doing the Suboxone program,” said the Kingfisher Lake band councillor. “In the community, they don’t have a place or a facility. They say it’s pretty tough when you don’t have anything to do or any place to hang out with the other ones.”
Mekanak is looking to raise about $150,000 to build a three-bedroom Suboxone detoxification program treatment facility for clients to meet, talk, share and work together on their healing journey.
“It’s just a small room where they (currently) meet,” Mekanak said. “I’m hoping to get a building probably the next winter road season.”
Mekanak is planning for a one-and-a-half-week walk from his community to the Shibogama First Nations Council office in Sioux Lookout, beginning March 22.
“There’s going to be people walking with me,” Mekanak said. “I have three right now. More people are welcome to join me.”
Mekanak would like to see clients from other Shibogama communities attending the proposed Suboxone treatment centre as well as from his community.