Latest news with #WalkofReconciliation

Calgary Herald

Walk for Reconciliation draws hundreds of Calgarians despite stormy weather

Article content Almost 200 Calgarians braved the stormy weather this morning to walk in support of National Indigenous People's Day. Article content The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland held its 16th annual Walk of Reconciliation Saturday, leading the cold, wet trek from the Harry Hays building on 4th Avenue S.E. to Fort Calgary. Article content Article content Despite the strong winds and pouring rain, participants were more than happy to don their ponchos and support the cause. With folks hesitant to stop for a breather, the walk was far more brisk than previous years — taking less than half an hour. Article content Article content 'I really enjoyed the walk. I'm soaking wet and I'm cold, but I really enjoyed it and I would do it again,' said walker Nadia Hussein. 'And when I think of the purpose of why we were there, it was really motivating to get out today and motivating to see the community as well.' Article content Article content 'Last year we had almost 500 people come out [on a Friday], so we were really excited to see how many people would come out on a Saturday when people weren't having to go to work,' said Rebekah Jarvis, director of community engagement at the Confluence. 'We were still really impressed with the turnout. People chose to come out, and chose to make the walk, even though it was really uncomfortable.' Article content Article content The Confluence welcomed participants out of the rain and into the upper barracks to hear a variety of speakers as well as drumming and dancing ceremonies. A livestream event was held at the Burnswest Theatre to accommodate those who couldn't make it to the barracks. Article content Indigenous speakers included Charlotte McLeod, Audrey Weasel Traveller and Dr. Maurice Manyfingers. Article content 'One of the great things about the speakers today is that they're not just speakers — they're walkers. They're people who walk the walk, and talk the talk,' said Keestin O'Dell, Indigenous student engagement strategist at Bow Valley College's Iniikokaan Centre.