LAWRENCE, Kan. — The third annual Red Road Wellbriety Walk was held Thursday, Oct. 23, at Haskell Indian Nations University, bringing together students and community members to promote healing and wellness through cultural connection and sobriety.
The event opened with a prayer ceremony led by Haskell Brave Rickson Bullcalf. Participants then joined a three-mile walk through the Billy Mills Cross Country Course, symbolizing their commitment to overcoming addiction and embracing healthier lifestyles.
Organized by Monica Jackson of the Haskell Wellbriety Chapter and Haskell students, the event served as a powerful reminder of resilience and strength within Native communities. The walk encouraged participants to look to their ancestors and prayer as a source of healing and unity.
Attendees included Haskell students, elders, and community members, all uniting in the shared goal of wellness and recovery. The Wellbriety Chapter also distributed traditional medicines such as cedar, sage, and sweetgrass to participants.
“I thought it was a great turnout, bringing together Haskell students and the Lawrence community to promote sobriety and a healthy lifestyle,” one attendee said.
“Every year this event is a nice reminder of the strength we, as Native people, have when we come together,” said participant Brunette. “When awareness is shed on Wellbriety, healing begins in all Indigenous communities.”
