Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

WALKING OUR SPIRITS HOME

Emotional first leg of ‘Walking Our Spirits Home’, honouring residential school survivors

Jun 11, 2021 | 4:20 PM

TK’EMLUPS — With plenty of orange and purple shirts, drumming and songs, it was hard to miss the large group walking across the Red Bridge Friday morning (June 11) to begin ‘Walking Our Spirits Home.’

Hundreds of people began the first day of the three-day trek from Pioneer Park Friday, going over the Red Bridge to the Tk’emlúps Arbour, before continuing along Shuswap Road.

Organizers with the Adams Lake Band had planned the event to honour residential school survivors and those who didn’t return from schools several months ago — well before the detection of 215 burial sites near the Kamloops Residential School. But with the timing of the massive discovery, the walk became even more impactful for participants.

Event planning was led by many of the band’s female leaders, including councillor Brandy Chelsea. Chelsea spoke to participants as the first leg of the three-day walk took pause at the Tk’emlúps Arbour.

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“It’s been a very emotional rollercoaster leading up to today really. And I was very emotional walking that Red Bridge, I can feel the ancestors joining us.”

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir also took time to acknowledge the nearby residential school building where so many painful memories were formed.

“It is fitting to be starting a healing journey here at the home campfire of the residential school — the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Where the memories of residential school has impacted so many.”

Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

Several of the participants spoke to CFJC about why they chose to join in the walk, including Iris Jules of the Adams Lake Band.

“I’m walking today for my husband, my sister-in-law, my brother, my parents and my grandparents,” she said while showing the 11 orange ribbons tied to her walking stick.

Another participant, Laura Lowley, told CFJC crews it was powerful to see support today.

“It makes my heart skip a beat. I tell you, the support is unbelievable. I love my native people and I’m always proud.”

As surveying work continues after the initial discovery of the bodies, leaders from around Secwepemcúĺecw and the City of Kamloops offered their support to the local First Nation. Splatsin First Nation Kukpi7 Wayne Christian, says continuing to search the grounds around the school will be crucial.

“Let’s do that on this walk. Every step you take, pray the things Tk’emlúps needs comes to them. The forensic anthropologists, the international legal team, everything.”

Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian also spoke to acknowledge the painful findings, and how much further reconciliation work needs to go.

“I’m here today to tell you on behalf of the 100,000 people who live across the river, we’re in this journey with you.”

Participants will take on the journey in five-kilometre increments over the weekend, before walking the spirits home to the Adams Lake Band Sunday afternoon.

“We’re here because of these children, because of the families that have been lost, because of the ones that have been found,” reiterates Adams Lake Band Kukpi7 Cliff Arnouse, “and we have a long journey ahead of us.”