Wet walkers brave the rain to Walk for Reconciliation

Calgarians mark National Indigenous Peoples Day to remember and honour those individuals who attended residential schools

The Walk for Reconciliation took place Saturday morning despite the dreadful weather.

Saturday morning, in a rainy, wet interview that took place near the Harry Hays building downtown, Confluence president Jennifer Thompson said that while the walk can be expected to draw upwards of 500 people on a sunny day, the figure would probably be less than half that Saturday.

“Still a couple hundred we’re hoping for,” Thompson said.

Torrential rain and high winds are forecast for Calgary throughout the day Saturday, with between 40 and 80 millimetres of rain expected to fall.

It was the 16th annual Walk for Reconciliation on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Thompson said the walk was a tribute to those who endured much worse than a rainy Saturday.

“Even though the weather is bad, this isn’t half as traumatic as what survivors experienced in residential schools,” she said. “So we can endure the weather today and have the walk in honour of them.”

Following the walk, Thompson said a gathering that was planned for The Confluence has been moved indoors.

“There will be free bagged lunch, as well as a program that has dancers, drummers and speakers,” she said.

Thompson also paid tribute to the wet walkers who showed up to participate.

“We’re so grateful for all the people who have come out today,” she said. “We’re thankful for the partners -- the Aboriginal Friendship Centre -- Trellis Society and The Confluence have working for years and years to make this (Walk for Reconciliation) happen.”

For more about The Confluence, go here.

The Confluence is also featuring an exhibit that showcases Blackfoot life and culture called Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life).

Saturday, admission to The Confluence is free.