The One With The Nishiyuu Walkers

You may remember a few months back I talked about the First Nations uprising Idle No More. As part of that spark within First Nations communities to fight for justice and recognition, a whole host of First Nations from many different communities marched on Ottawa's Parliament Hill today - and it was an overwhelming and incredibly humbling thing to witness.

It began with a small group called the Nishiyuu Walkers a Cree Nation who, in the middle of January, left their small Quebec community, Whapmagoostui near Hudson Bay, and began the march to Ottawa and to Parliament. The purpose of their march was simple: to tell the world that the Cree Nation, despite the atrocities of colonialism and the ignorance of settlers, that the Cree Nation is still there - still speaking the language, culture and traditions alive, still respecting the land that the white man has stolen from them.

Over the course of the 1500 kilometres + walk, the Nishiyuu Walkers have garnered considerable press attention and support from fellow First Nations members. Thus, what began with seven passionate people from Whapmagoostui has now swelled to several hundred. They are an ecclectic bunch. One of the things that I have learnt over this year is that the First Nations are an incredibly diverse group of people. I know in my mind, and the minds of many others, probably even the majority of the world, there is this stereotypical Hollywood Indian, riding horseback, decked out in elaborate headresses - a stereotype which has caused a lot of hurt and damage.

The determination and energy of the marchers is truly a sight to behold - they sure do make a lot of joyful noise with their drumming and singing the songs passed down through the generations. All ages are represented, from babies on mother's backs to grandparents in wheelchairs.

As I joined in at Parliament Hill, I was struck my the community atmosphere. People were greeting one another with affection and there was so much laughter. However, there was also a serious message. It is my sincere hope that Parliament will listen to the First Nations and will cease treating them like dirt or ignoring them altogether. Yes, there are serious problems plaguing First Nations communities but those problems, each and every single one of them, can be attributed to the white man. There is no Canada; it is an invention, a stolen land.