Nation-20-11

Donna Tenasco, Kitigan Zibi
We have a niece who’s been walking since Kitigan Zibi. We’re all really proud of her. She’s of Algonquin and Mohawk ancestry,
and she’s been excited and overwhelmed every night... and exhausted. She’s determined to do this, regardless of the bloody blisters
on her feet, the cramping muscles. When she learned about this walk, that it was the youth who started it, she was determined
to join and finish it, and she’s finishing it today.
For the youth, and all First Nations people, what we’re getting from this is a sense of unity. We’re not doing it just for unity,
but also to protect Mother Earth, because we see the abuse of the land and water – this famous Bill C-45 that is restricting the
clean water. For First Nations people that’s survival, that’s living off the land. The young people saw this and they decided that
it was time for the youth to rise up and do something about it, in support of Chief Theresa Spence and her hunger strike, and
the Idle No More movement that started it. This is something that the youth have taken on. If you look at the walkers, they’re
all youth, and they’ve got a lot of support.
A lot of people are going to find their spirituality and want to learn about their cultures. As you know, First Nations people
are at a high risk for suicide, crime, violence, jail and incarceration. I was talking to a lot of walkers on their way in, and
they told me they’re each doing it for their own reasons. Some to fight drugs and alcohol, some for suicide, some for missing
and murdered women.
The Nation spoke to several walkers about their epic journey experiences.
On the steps of Parliament
Curtis Ratt, Chisasibi
I’m happy and sad at the same time
that this will end soon. It makes you
believe in your dreams.
William Head, Chisasibi
I’ve been walking for two months. My
feet are suffering. But it feels great.
www.nationnews.ca April 5, 2013 the Nation 15