Hundreds gather for annual Smudge Walk in Regina's North Central neighbourhood

Hundreds took to the streets of Regina for the annual Smudge Walk through the city's North Central neighbourhood Friday.

A smudge is a traditional First Nations ritual that is most often meant to cleanse negative spirits or negative energy.

"The roots of the walk begin in terms of the negative publicity that this area had received a few years ago from Maclean'smagazine," said Wendell Starblanket, who provided some of the cultural resources for Friday's event.

A 2007 Maclean's article called the area"Canada's worst neighbourhood."

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He said the idea of a cleanse was bornout of the neighbourhood being classified as one of the most impoverished parts of the city.

"There was an idea to smudge and cleanse it through prayer and through ceremony, but more importantly to give it back to the people so that they themselves can cleanse," Starblanket said.

"We have to look at ways of healing of ourselves, our communities and our nations. And this is a step in the right process."

• Annual smudge walk held in Regina's North Central area

The seventh annual walk featured a traditional pipe ceremony and drumming. It ended ended with a concert and barbecue.

"It's a very moving experience," said Regina Mayor Michael Fourgere, who participated in the event.

"North Central is a beautiful place with a lot of character."

Both Fougere and Regina Police Service Chief Evan Bray pointed out the positives happening in the neighbourhood, like the opening of new schools.