A picture taken during a special MMIW walk in early 2020. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Walking for a cause

Mistawasis woman aims to create path for healing journey

Sep 29, 2022 | 1:44 PM

Noting issues on reserves related to suicides, poverty and drug use, Connie Primeau said she felt compelled to step up and do something to help people find support and start their personal healing journeys.

The 54-year-old has organized a walk that will commence Thursday at Mistawasis First Nation and end Friday in Prince Albert.

In addition to raising awareness for missing and murdered men, women and children, the first annual walk will raise awareness for the issues facing residential school survivors, and show support for the communities of James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, still reeling from this month’s deadly stabbing rampage.

Primeau explained she wants all First Nations people to start working together and to stop relying on leaders for answers.

“Because our leaders too have also been through these residential schools so they are still in the healing process too. Sure they are here to help us a lot but they only do so much,” she said.

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Primeau explained all the trauma being felt by Indigenous people is tied directly to residential schools – the pain suffered from grandparents has been passed down generations.

Noting how her own mother suffered abuse while attending residential school in Manitoba, and having seen other family members fall victim to drug use, Primeau considers herself successful to have not had any personal issues.

“Some others have not been able to do that and these people are still being ridiculed today,” she said.

The walk from Mistawasis to Prince Albert is roughly 70km. Primeau explained the group will stay overnight at the Shellbrook campground before continuing on. A meal will be provided by local hospital staff.

“On Thursday, everyone is to wear red to honour our murdered men, women and children,” she explained.

On Friday, as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day, the group will switch to orange shirts. Primeau said when they eventually arrive at East End Hall in Prince Albert, there will be a meal provided by the Metis women of Prince Albert.

“It’s amazing like the amount of people that have been helping us,” she said. “It’s something that needed to be done.”

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell