Cities walk in support of First Nations children
- Jeanelle Mandes | June 17, 2014
First Nations people gathered in Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina for a walk in support of raising awareness for equity in the lives and future of First Nations children.
The walk, "Our Dreams Matter Too A Walk for First Nations children," aims to raise awareness about the lack of resources for education and health.
This year's Crowned Princess of First Nations University of Canada, Shay McNabb, says she was approached by FSIN First Vice-Chief, Kim Jonathon, at Yorkton pow-wow this past weekend asking if she can host this event. McNabb says Jonathan's words made it motivational even though she had three days to plan the walk.
"I feel really good based on the two days I had to prepare and do this. On Monday night, I was feeling it wasn't going to work out. But I had already made the Facebook page and I told myself I can't back down; I didn't want to disappoint anyone. But it was a really great turnout," says mcNabb.
The event started with a few of Saskatchewan's pow-wow royalty princesses to speak along with one of the co-founders of Idle No More, Nina Wilson and FSIN Vice-Chief Jonathan.
The chief had traveled to the walks in Prince Albert and Saskatoon prior to attending Regina's walk.
"It was very spiritual; we started off this morning with a prayer in Prince Albert. We had a lot of babies walking with us and elders. We continued on with Saskatoon and we walked with one of the co-founders of Idle No More Jessica Gordon," says Jonathan.
She says she hopes these walks happening across Canada show that it's not about free handouts; it's about the hurts that are entrenched deep within the Indigenous peoples.
"I hope this walk shows our babies that there is hope and that there is people that aren't going to give up for a better tomorrow for them. It also educates the public and provides interest to people to research and see our histories as Indigenous people within this country," she adds.
Kirk Gamble from Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation says he and his friend, Leon Baldhead, were asked to go and sing at the walks and immediately they both agreed saying it's for an important cause.
"I said yes because it's for our youth. The women speaking on behalf of our people are standing up for our children so they can have a better future and education. We should have that right to education like listed in the Treaty rights," says Gamble.
After the speakers, everyone was given a balloon and they were released outside in honor of the First Nations children of today and those who were in the residential schools. The walkers went around the First Nations University of Canada building four times.
Myrna Ashdohonk, from Carry the Kettle, says she came because she thinks it's very important to raise awareness for First Nations children's education.
I worry when my son gets older and when he goes to school if theres going to be enough resources or funding for his education. It was a good turnout, I'm really glad I came. There should be more events like this."
Jonathan adds the walks in three cities were also in support of Cindy Blackstock who filed a Human Rights Complaint in 2007 against the Federal government for the lack of funding for First Nations children.