The Innu community of Natuashish in Labrador welcomed a man Wednesday who walked 300-kilometres to raise awareness about diabetes in aboriginal communities.

Michel Andrew, 27, ended his walk from Sheshatshiu to Natuashish at around noon after hiking across the Labrador wilderness. He was joined by two women from Natuashish for part of his journey, and a group of children from the community walked the last few kilometres with him.

The community honoured Andrew by closing businesses for the day and planning a full day of events.

"Some elders have set up a tent in which they will be having a muckashon, which is a communal, traditional, sacred meal for the Innu," organizer Jim Nui said.

Andrews started the walk Feb. 11 to raise money for diabetes research after watching family members and friends struggle with the disease.

He told CBC News before he started that he believes Innu, especially young people, need to get back to traditional ways, such as walking everywhere and eating a more traditional diet.

Andrew towed a sled packed with traditional gear and no canned or processed food. He planned to hunt partridges, rabbits and porcupine along the way.