By Jenna Winton
On January 4, 2014, three Cree men, Danny Metatawabin, Brian Okimaw, and Paul Mattinas, began a 1,700km trek from Attawapiskat First Nation to the Parliament Hill Building in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, to send a message and raise awareness of the treaty rights made between First Nations and the Canadian government. In the past, lack of housing, infrastructure, increasingly poor health care programs, and very few educational opportunities have led to unsustainable living conditions and a disproportionate percentage of social issues in First Nation’s communities. According to Metatawabin, these factors and the government’s lack of respect for treaty rights inspired them to walk, with the intent of sparking a discussion between both the federal and provincial governments and First Nation’s leaders on implementing the treaties. He commented, “I find that the government is not treating First Nations with respect and honor, and I find that they don't understand the spiritual intent of the treaties.”
Throughout the fifty day walk through frigid conditions, the participants, now known as the Omushkegowuk Walkers, visited local First Nation’s communities along the way and were received by overwhelming support. “We were greeted with respect and were treated very well; we had accommodations, or were provided with places to stay as well as meals. And for those communities that were able to, they feasted for us. But I always reminded them that the feast is not for us. It's for their people and their communities. It was very positive. We prayed daily, and we'd also like to acknowledge the people for their prayers.”
While passing through Fort Albany, Moosonee, Cochrane, North Bay and other communities, the group grew as the message spread and people took up the cause, joining the walk for treaty awareness. On their scheduled arrival in Ottawa on February 24, a total of 18 Walkers showed up with the original three. The demonstrations continued as they rallied on Parliament Hill after a ceremony at the Human Rights monument. “In a good way it was very overwhelming. I want to thank all of the people, the communities for the empowerment in order for myself and the Walkers to complete the journey, because we did this for the people,” Metatawabin stated.
On their facebook page “Reclaiming Our Steps Past, Present, and Future” there is a call for action beyond the walk. “This spiritual journey, echoed by our ancestors is a calling for all of First Nation Peoples to be awakened and take action on matters that affect our existence- past, present and future. We cannot remain silent and/or be silenced [any]more. This is our time. Change is upon us and we are the change.” Metatawabin encourages supporters to keep pressuring the governments to honor and respect the treaties. “The walk didn't end there. We still continue, we'll still add pressure. Just stay tuned for more.”
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