Residents called to walk together

Everyone in the community and district is warmly invited to join the public walk on Good Friday (March 21) here in Fort Frances, entitled “Biimosetaa, Walking Together to Overcome Racism.”
March 21 is the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It also is Good Friday and the first full day of spring—a time of hope and renewal.
This is not a finger-pointing exercise, but rather a way to put our bodies on the line to demonstrate our commitment to do our part to build a healthy and safe community for all people.
To symbolize that, a pin of black, red, white, and yellow ribbon will be available for each participant to wear.
The walk will begin at 2 p.m. at the United Native Friendship Centre on Portage Avenue (274-8541), proceed up Scott Street to the Memorial Sports Centre, and then return, making several key stops along the way.
One stop is to underline that we are all treaty people and through our government, we bear responsibility to share the land in a respectful way.
Another stop is to highlight the importance for all of us to study the full history of this area, including the many contributions of the First Nations people.
Organizers see this walk as one step on a journey of discovery and learning.
Then at 4 p.m. on Friday, there will be a celebration and feast at the Nanicost gymnasium, with opportunity for further sharing and a way to meet neighbours, make new friends, and be inspired.
Initiators are the United Native Friendship Centre and the Right Relations Circle of Rainy River District.
The RRC began a year ago as a response to the United Church of Canada’s apology to First Nations for their part in the residential schools, and the church’s call for members to live out the apology in our actions.
Since then, people from the larger community have joined.
The Right Relations Circle is open to all people wanting to work towards genuine right relations between the aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities.