***Original published in South Mountain Press, July 27, 2018***
Indigenous Prayer Walkers Pass Through South Mountain Region
Early on the afternoon of July 24, two members of Da-namaamin moseyang giw-ganchigaazjig kwewag could be seen walking along Highway 10 South of Onanole. While Creedance carried their Aboriginal Eagle Staff, Jacqueline was happily waving to honking motorists.
The name of the group translates to ‘We will walk in prayer for those murdered women.’ The stated goal of this grassroots Indigenous-led Prayer Walk is a ‘means for us to respond to the murders and disappearances of Indigenous women, girls, and future generations. Our journey across Turtle Island (Canada) is a way to heal ourselves and revitalize our traditional roles as Women, Men, and Two-Spirit People. The Prayer Walk is also a way for us to show women, girls, and victims’ families that we care. We believe our Indigenous nations must take the lead in healing within our communities. To this end, we advocate for increased support for Indigenous-led solutions to end violence against Indigenous women and girls.”
The Prayer Walkers began their journey at The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Cape Croker, Ontario on December 21, 2017. The core group of walkers have varied between three and seven. The team pairs take turns walking 5 km for a total of 50 km per day. One person carries the Eagle Staff and the other provides company and safety. Frequently, as they pass through, supporters from various First Nations walk with them for encouragement and solidarity.
The sight of the pair’s Eagle Staff definitely causes motorists to take a second look as they drive by. An Eagle Staff represents various Indigenous meanings, spiritual entities, nations, clans, languages, medicines and healing. The staff can be compared to a country’s flag or to a military unit’s battle honours which makes it a sacred symbol. One imperative stressed by Creedance concerning the staff was that the person carrying it must constantly be moving. It made for an interesting interview that covered about half a miles worth of walking!
Each day, the group dedicates their walking to honour and remember an Indigenous murdered or missing woman or girl. Mildred Flett, age 51, was the person being remembered on this particular day. ‘Millie’ Flett, aka Mildred Nelson, went missing in Winnipeg on June 8, 2010.
The plan for the remainder of this ambitious walk is to continue north to Swan River, cut across through Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, head west through Edmonton up into the Territories and Yukon, circle through BC and then all the way back through to the East Coast before returning home to Ontario.
Along the way, the group has been receiving a warm reception. They have frequently been asked to speak at different venues about their efforts to bring awareness to the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) issue. On the evening of July 23, they were guests of the Rolling River First Nation who held a powwow for them.
The non-profit group is primarily conducting the Prayer Walk to continue the healing process related to the ongoing tragedy of MMIWG as opposed to fund raising. But they are happy to take donations related to their efforts. Any monies donated will mostly go towards caring for their aging 1982 Winnebago Brave. The RV acts as their support vehicle and home while they are on the road. Mechanical issues already caused a three month delay earlier in the year.
If people are interested in following Da-namaamin moseyang giw-ganchigaazjig kwewag’s progress as they crisscross Canada, they can follow their progress via their Facebook blog. Their daily videos detail where they are at and gives details about the particular woman or girl that they are dedicating that days’ worth of walking to.
Blair is a personification of a ‘Jack of All Trades and Master of None’. He has held several careers and has all the T-shirts. Time to add the title Blogger to the list.