Indigenous activists from Canada and the US have been walking for decades, using this ancient practice as a powerful form of activism. The Journey of Nishiyuu, led by young walkers from Whapmagoostui First Nation, is one such movement that emphasizes the importance of land in shaping Indigenous well-being and culture.
In 2013, six young walkers embarked on a 1,000-mile journey to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, during the Idle No More winter. The walk was not only a show of solidarity but also a demonstration of the walkers’ connection to their language, culture, and tradition. Many saw this as a healing journey, allowing them to reconnect with the land and their ancestors.
Indigenous activism on foot has a long history, dating back to the American Indian Movement’s 1978 Longest Walk from Alcatraz Island to Washington D.C. The walkers aimed to hold the US government accountable for its treaty obligations, preventing passage of bills that would have restricted Native communities’ jurisdiction and social services.
Similar movements have taken place in Canada and the US, such as the Mother Earth Water Walkers, who initiated a tradition of walking around sacred sites to promote environmental stewardship and respect. Indigenous activists continue to walk today, using this practice to assert their sovereignty and care for their lands and waters.
By walking the land, Indigenous people are restoring their firsthand knowledge of place and revitalizing traditional forms of governance and diplomacy. They are also inviting non-Indigenous individuals to join them on these journeys, offering opportunities for reconciliation and education about Indigenous peoples’ access to water and jurisdiction over ancestral territories.
These walks serve as a reminder that the past is present, and that historical trauma continues to impact Indigenous communities today. However, by asserting their sovereignty through traditional practices like walking, Indigenous people can inspire a more just and beautiful future for all.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/opinion-activism-on-foot-when-indigenous-activists-walk-the-land-to-honor-their-past-reshape-their-future