Akwesasne

The Remembrance Walk: Community members participated in a reflective walk along the Tewathahitha Walking Trail, which was heavily illuminated by the glow of purple lights—the international color of overdose awareness.

Luminary Ceremony: Attendees wrote heartfelt, personal messages to lost family members and friends on luminary bags, placing them along the walking trail as a symbolic message of love and remembrance.

Tribal Speeches & Testimony: Tribal Chief Ross Garrow shared a moving, personal story regarding his own sister’s journey into a sober lifestyle to encourage families, emphasizing that the community must offer love and support rather than judgment.

Harm Reduction & Giveaways: Organizers worked directly to break the silence surrounding addiction by providing free Narcan (Naloxone) rescue kits, take-home purple awareness lightbulbs, and commemorative purple t-shirts to attendees.