More than 100 people gathered at the Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest in St. John’s Park Sunday to partake in the second annual Reconciliation Walk. Ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, the walk is held to give non-Indigenous people a chance to learn about residential schools and work with the Indigenous community to find a path forward. Elder Val Vint was there to share stories with people, saying there can’t be reconciliation without knowing first what happened all those years ago. “The truth has to be known and people are uncomfortable with it, but oh well. It was uncomfortable for us to experience and it is still being experienced,” said Vint. She shared stories with both children and adults Sunday, noting it is never too late or too early for people to start learning about residential school history. “This is what needs to happen now to make a change.” Martha Nauta was one of the participants at the walk. She said it was a beautiful experience to be a part of, and she appreciated hearing the stories that needed to be told. “It’s very necessary and I learned something today and that was that we are willing to move on, but we have to recognize what happened and I think that is a beautiful thing,” said Nauta. “It will take several generations before the people that went through it are over it, but it’s important to keep the (stories alive) and keep the healing process.” She encourages other people to come out and ask questions and listen to what is being said. There is so much more for people to understand about what Indigenous people have endured, Nauta noted, and she hopes others can learn what she did. “I bonded with people. I feel lighter today.” Vint said it is encouraging to see so many people come out and knows positive steps are being made. “It warms my heart because it shows me that folks that are here are actually interested in making a change,” said Vint. The Winnipeg Police Service also held an event Sunday to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. At sunrise, the service held a sacred fire ceremony at the north district station, followed by a community barbecue in the afternoon. Police Chief Gene Bowers said work is continuing to happen to ensure reconciliation is woven into the fabric of the service. “Reconciliation cannot simply be something we talk about. It must be reflected in our actions, our relationships, in our willingness to learn and walk alongside Indigenous leaders, Elders, survivors, community partners and our own Indigenous member,” Bowers said. He said the focus now is to continue to build positive relationships and hope healing can continue going forward. “We know that relationship between policing and Indigenous communities has not always been one of trust. We cannot change that history, but we can acknowledge it, we can learn from it and we can take responsibility for how we move forward.” Bowers said he is committed to continuing to listen and learn and is hopeful a path will continue to shape moving forward.
