As they have since time immemorial, thousands came from across North America to Lac Ste Anne. It’s an annual event that draws Indigenous and non-Indigenous pilgrims alike to its sacred waters.
“I like to just pull up a chair and sit all day. .Everyone comes for the same reason: Healing and peace,” said Coun. Dwayne Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation.
He has been attending the pilgrimage since he was a child, visiting with his parents and grandparents and simply sitting in silence, listening to the songs and prayers.
“We want the youth to have a place they can turn to,” Councilor Alexis said. “When I was younger, I was heading down the wrong path. But I had a dream of the Blessed Mother. After that, I walked to the pilgrimage. It changed me.”
Every Mass held during the July 19-25 pilgrimage drew no fewer than 3,000 attendees, filling the sprawling grounds west of Edmonton with prayer, song, and reflection. Lac Ste. Anne has been a sacred site for generations and its waters were blessed by Pope Francis during his visit to Canada in 2022.
“We come to pray and to see old friends we haven’t seen in years,” said Norena Bruneau.
“We believe the water can heal,” said her husband Kevin. “I drink it, I bless my house with it, and I bless myself with it.”
Kevin and Norena Bruneau, along with Elsie Montgrand, traveled from Prince Albert, Sask. They have been coming to Lac Ste. Anne for more than 30 years.
The three pilgrims recalled the emotional visit of Pope Francis. Though only one of them was present in person, they spoke of how meaningful it was to have that connection with the Holy Father.
The blessing of the lake on the first day of the pilgrimage remains one of the most powerful parts of the weeklong pilgrimage. After Mass, people walk down to the water to pray, collect holy water, and reflect before heading home.
The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation organizes an annual walk to the pilgrimage site. This year, the nation played a key role in the pilgrimage. They helped serve food during a farewell celebration for Father Les Kwiatkowski, the pastor of Lac Ste Anne parish who is going on sabbatical.
As the pilgrimage came to a close, many carried their prayers and hope back to their communities. Some return with healing. Others leave with peace in their hearts.
“Even if we’re tired, we go to the lake before we leave,” said Elsie Montgrand. “To anyone thinking of coming, I’d say just come. You might get healed. You’ll definitely feel something. And you’ll meet people you’ll never forget.”