A number of initiatives have been created to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. One of them is the Mamu Nikantetau march, which unites these two groups for a 7-day, 300-kilometre walk, on a quest for dialogue. The aim is to bring people together to find a path towards reconciliation.

Dr. Stanley Vollant opened the last day of the march with the following words: “We must not be divided. Sometimes there are barriers or walls between us. We will take them down one brick at a time, as we learn about each other and become friends. We will use those bricks to build bridges and new roads, so that our children can move forward.”

Why are people walking, when the goal is to talk about reconciliation? 

The Mamu Nikantetau march is one of the initiatives of Puamun Meshkenu, a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Vollant in 2016. During the Pope’s visit to Canada in the summer of 2022, Puamun Meshkenu organized a long march in support of residential school survivors. The goal of the march this year was to continue this open and inclusive dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

A great many rifts need to be repaired. Residential schools may no longer exist, but the gulf between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is still vast. Awareness of the First Nations and of ancestral knowledge, languages, traditions, and more is still insufficient. If we knew each other better, what advantages could we obtain?

Marie-Catherine Picard walked the full distance of the march. She said, “I created strong connections with the participants during the march, and the whole experience has had a positive impact on me. I loved seeing how participants helped each other out and didn’t judge one another. To promote reconciliation, we have to continue to take part in projects like this one. We can still move forward, reach out, and listen to each other.” Marie-Catherine is originally from Pessamit and now lives in Montreal.

Highlighting the resilience of First Nations 

The FNQLHSSC had the opportunity to join in for the last two days, and we witnessed the strength of those who, like us, shared a part of the march. It is important to note once again that this event was much more than just a walk: it was a symbolic journey, an adventure full of hope, healing, and respect, and an opportunity to pay tribute to the resilience of the First Nations.

The march ended at the site of the Innu Nikamu Festival, where more than a hundred people were gathered, wearing orange t-shirts in solidarity. The site, where a residential school once stood, had been transformed into a festival space to welcome the marchers. Many who attended the schools and who have suffered because of the practices there were present. They gave speeches offering encouragement and testimonials of the challenges they have had to overcome, always with a hope for healing.

35 kilometres a day for 7 days: A physical and emotional challenge 

We could feel the energy and determination of the marchers. Among them was Mario Bacon, from the Mashteuiatsh community, who walked the entire 300 kilometres. “The march was a success,” he said. “I experienced rich moments of sharing, with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike. In my professional life, I often talk about and promote perseverance, especially in the area of academic success. So I wanted to show what perseverance really is, to do it myself. I wanted to put myself in a position where I had to persevere, and I succeeded.”

He is also happy that he walked in the steps of his ancestors, on ancestral land. During the march, he would tell himself that they had taken the same route. Although he had travelled it many times before, it was always behind the steering wheel. This time was different, because taking the journey on foot gave him time to appreciate everything around him. “Walking in the march was a gift I gave myself.” Mario Bacon is director of the student inclusion and success office at UQAM.

Who can march? 

Anyone who wants to contribute to reconciliation between these communities and support the mission of the march is welcome.

This year, 15 marchers walked the entire route, and several dozen others, both non-Indigenous people and Indigenous people from different nations, accompanied them part of the way. Although the full route was open to only a limited number, there were no restrictions for anyone who wanted to walk with the marchers for shorter legs of the journey.

Information about the 2024 march is still to be determined, but our visit made it clear to us that people were enthusiastic about another edition. To stay up to date, follow the Puamun Meshkenu organization.  

The march was a show of solidarity, a step towards reconciliation, and a reminder that we can all contribute to a better future, together.