Pilgrimage set for July 20 to 25

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Thousands of people are expected to take part in this year's Lac Ste. Anne pilgrimage. It is said to be the largest annual spiritual gathering of Native people in Canada.

Upwards of 30,000 people come to the broad, shallow lake in north-central Alberta to meet old friends, to celebrate, to do penance and to pray for their needs and for each other.

This is the water the Cree call Manito Sakahigan- Lake of the Spirit. The Cree and Blackfoot journeyed to the lake for centuries. It was a place of ceremonies and of great spiritual encounters for Native people.

This year, the pilgrimage to Lac Ste. Anne, 100 km west of Edmonton, takes place from July 20 to 25.

People making the holy pilgrimage come from across North America to step into the holy waters and be blessed. The pilgrimage is an annual gathering set aside for people to come together and pray and to discover the presence of God in each other. For many, it is also a chance to honor the Grand Mother Saint Anne.