Patricia Makokis, along with about 30 people from various church groups and members of the Alberta Health Science Associatinon completed their walk from Edmonton to Calgary Monday.
The walk was not an effort to raise awareness of an injustice or cuts to a government program, but to teach non-Indigenous people what it’s like to live as a Treaty person.
“The walk has been about helping to educate just everyday folk about Treaties. What it means to live in a Treaty area. What it means to be a person who benefits from Treaty.” Makokis told APTN News.
Each stop along the way on the Walk for Common Ground, in places like Beaumont, Leduc, and Wetaskiwin, Makokis sits and teaches the locals in the area about Treaties.
(Pat Makokis celebrating with chiefs in Calgary. Photo: Chris Stewart/APTN)
She shows them a documentary that she produced that answers many of their questions.
She is more than happy to answer any others they may have.
Makokis knows about Treaties.
She’s from Saddle Lake Cree Nation and has a Ph’d in Education, and has worked at the University of Alberta.
Blisters, cold, wet, hot and even snowy June conditions did not stop Anita Crowshoe from walking the 350 km
“The experiences we had along the way, wow,” she said. “Still brings tears to my eyes. Sleeping in churches where you know the history. Hearing settlers who are our allies talk about I don’t know this, I didn’t know that.”
Faika Satterthwaite immigrated to Canada 40 years ago.
She said she learned a lot on her walk and time spent with Makokis.
“It seemed like I was in a dreamland because I’ve been trying to do some education and learning , and relying on Pat’s teachings along the way as well,” she said.
(Anita Crowshoe being welcomed after 15 days of walking. Photo: Chris Stewart/APTN)
The group unanimous choice for favourite stop was in Maskwacis.
It is made up of four Indigenous communities: Samson, Louis Bull, Erminskin and Montana.
They were given a warm welcome by community members and leaders.
“They drummed us in. Welcomed us. They had a big feast for us. The hall was full. Their Chiefs came out to talk to us. “ said Makokis.
Their journey now complete.
Elders, family and supporters were at the Health Science Association of Alberta’s headquarters in Calgary.
At their last stop the cheers were loud, the feast was good and the time was right to rest their bodies and sore feet.
Makokis says there may be another walk next year in a new location to teach more people about Treaties.
straight talk
We as FIRST NATIONS people could use these teachings of TREATIES in the cities we reside in. The other place is on the FIRST NATIONS. This would be good for morale in our youth to be able to talk on the TREATIES, not just say we have a right. Parents would also benefit from a INDIAN teaching not someone from federal government, who never lived the FIRST NATIONS way of life. FIRST NATIONS GOVERNMENTS let’s get to work on this please, it is as vital as LANGAUGE.