When the Olympic flame arrives in the city on Monday, a traditional Wei Wai Kum blessing will be bestowed on it by Dan Henderson.

Henderson, 71, is a hereditary chief of the Wei Wai Kum (Campbell River Indian Band) and is recognized in the community for his depth of knowledge of the culture and language.

“We’re pleased to announce Dan Henderson as Wei Wai Kum’s honourary Fire Keeper for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games,” said Chief Bob Pollard. “Our community is excited to have the opportunity to bless the Olympic flame on its journey! On November 2, we hope everyone in the Campbell River community will join us in the celebration of the Olympic spirit of peace, brotherhood and friendship.”

As the flame enters the Campbell River band reserve, the sound of drums and singers will herald its arrival at 5:38 p.m. The Wei Wai Kum dancers, singers and drummers will lead the community in a celebration of the flame’s arrival by performing two traditional dances and songs. The elders and the chief of the community will stand in full regalia with Henderson as he delivers the blessing of the flame.

Steve Nagle will run the final leg within the city and will light the Spirit Flame at the new downtown Spirit Square on Monday, at 6 p.m. Other local runners carrying the Olympic Torch within Campbell River include secondary school students Cassie Lee of Timberline and Cameron Haight of Carihi.

Former mayor Roger McDonell will also be running with the torch in Nanoose on Sunday, fitness instructor Sally Feast is carrying the torch in Cumberland on Monday morning, RBC manager Matt Bruining and co-worker Christine Jochimski will be running with the torch in Campbell River, and Jami Harris of Steve Marshall Ford is travelling all the way to Whitehorse, Yukon, to run on Tuesday afternoon.

In Campbell River, on Monday, the Spirit Square officially opens at 10:45 a.m. There will be events and live music throughout the afternoon, a parade at 3 p.m., to be followed by the arrival of the torch at 4:30 p.m. at the south end of the city.

A full schedule of events was in the Friday, Oct. 23, edition of the Mirror. Watch this Friday’s paper for a special supplement on the arrival of the Olympic Torch.

For more information, visit www.torchrelay.ezabu.com