HUMBOLDT — Wanting to improve local recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, a Humboldt resident organized a reconciliation walk.
“I thought instead of waiting for someone else to do it, I'm going to do it myself,” said Melanie Gray.
The June 21 walk began at Civic Park, went down Main Street to the museum and then returned to Civic Park.
In the past, recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day in Humboldt has been organized by the Horizon School Division, which hosts a flag-raising ceremony alongside representatives from surrounding First Nations.
Gray, who is Ojibwe from the Rama First Nation in Ontario, said reconciliation between First Nations and settlers is about acknowledging the history between the two peoples.
“It's an acknowledgement of wrongs, but if that's not a negative thing. It's good to recognize those. Then you can move forward because everyone needs that acknowledgement in order to heal,” she said.
“If we can get together and in a respectful way, one with kindness and empathy, where there's an understanding, then you can move forward and build relationships, heal relationships.”
Gray said Indigenous people are willing to talk about reconciliation with those willing to learn with an open mind.
“I didn't get reunited with my family and Indigenous side until 10 years ago. I had to ask hard questions, read books, and it just made me a better person honestly because I understood a lot of the dynamics and Canada but I also understood myself and my people better.”
The walk organizer said while there’s a lot of allies in the Humboldt community, a lot of work needs to be done to promote reconciliation in the community.
“The more that you can inform people, then that might just change some minds and when you do that, I think it's going to benefit all of us.”
Participants at the walk were told to social distance and wear masks if possible. The number of people at the walk did not exceed the outdoor limit of 30 people allowed by health officials.
“We've been apart for so long, and I think people are really needing to get together,” Gray said. “There's been a lot in the news lately and we can do it safely now.”
Gray said it’s possible for another event to happen next year on National Indigenous Peoples Day, one that could involve other community organizations and Elders from local First Nations.
