Emilio's Extraordinary Journey to Wolf Country
I wanted to let you know earlier but ran out of time and I know that what happened continues to make a difference in Emilio's life today.
Last summer, at the request of my friend Michel Fournier (of Super Jump fame), we organized a very special trip to Saskatchewan for a teenager named Emilio Danguy. Michel volunteers his time with a French not-for-profit organization called l’Association l'orchidée.
The association has similar aims as the Children’s Wish Foundation here. There was much media coverage in France about Emilio's trip to Saskatchewan, as the article above attests.
Emilio, who I believe is 15 now, had this dream of coming to Canada and get close to wolves. He was at the time undergoing treatment for cancer at the Centre Anti-Cancéreux Léon Bérard in Lyon, France. The sponsoring organization paid for all the expenses, as well as costs for a tutor and any medical support that would be needed while he travelled. He, his tutor and sister arrived in Saskatoon on July 23, 2006, for an 8-day trip that turned out to be a real healing experience for him in many ways.
My friend actor/director Floyd Favel Starr (Dead Dog Café), and I, put together a tailor-made itinerary for them that included a special activity at Prince Albert National Park to explore the habitat of wolves, and a special visit at the Saskatoon Zoo to get close to the pair of wolves they have there, as well as other very meaningful activities.
Floyd hosted the family at his home at Poundmaker First Nation and looked after them personally the whole time. They got to learn more about Cree culture there and the role the wolf and animals in general play in indigenous cultures. Emilio met a medicine man. The family slept in a teepee, visited historic sites of significance and rode horses at Poundmaker.
Emilio stands beside the teepee in which he and his family stayed at Poundmaker.
Emilio rides and discovers Poundmaker's territory.
Emilio in the midst of the anticipated encounter at the Saskatoon Zoo. On the photo he writes: "a thousand thanks for helping make my dream come through."Upon their return, Daniel Desgeorges (a representative of l’Orchidée) sent me this note which I have translated below:
“Dear Mr. Harel, Our great travelers have returned and we welcomed them this morning at the Lyon/St-Exupéry airport. Emilio goes on and on about his stay with indigenous people. Floyd and Warren were very welcoming and available for the family. Emilio’s encounter with wolves was rich in emotions, with the pack leader answering Emilio’s call. Your program proposal was a brilliant one and I am sure the family will keep lasting memories of its stay in Saskatchewan. Emilio told us that he will never forget the moments spent with Floyd, Warren and their family. He has brought back wolf hair in a little pouch hanging around his neck, of which he is very proud. Floyd told him the spirit of the wolf will remain with him always. Floyd also made him a personal gift to make him stronger in his most difficult moments. This sums up quickly the joy of Emilio and his family. As soon as we have photographs, we will pass them on to you. In all truth Mr. Harel, because of you and my friend Michel, Emilio has many stars of happiness shining in his eyes and in his heart.”
I am sharing this note now because I just received another note suggesting to me that Emilio’s stay in Saskatchewan continues to give him strength today.
Have a great weekend everyone,
C-J
posted by Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHI @ 11:57 AM
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