The Reason You Walk

1. Intergenerational trauma and resilience: The legacy of residential schools

"He was still singing his father's songs as they drove back to Kenora. He was interrupted when the priest pulled the car over, dragged him from the vehicle, and beat him, telling him, 'Never sing those pagan songs again.'"

The residential school system was a dark chapter in Canadian history, designed to "kill the Indian in the child." Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and subjected to physical, emotional, and cultural abuse. This trauma has been passed down through generations, affecting families and communities long after the schools closed.

Resilience in the face of adversity: Despite the attempts to erase their culture, many Indigenous people, like Tobasonakwut Kinew, managed to hold onto their languages, traditions, and spiritual practices. This resilience has been crucial in the healing process and the revitalization of Indigenous cultures.

Impacts of residential schools:

• Separation from family and community
• Loss of language and cultural identity
• Physical and sexual abuse
• Intergenerational trauma

Signs of resilience:

• Preservation of traditional languages and practices
• Cultural revitalization movements
• Healing initiatives within Indigenous communities

2. The power of Indigenous culture and language in healing

"Zhoomingwetaw. The Anishinaabemowin word entered my head as if spoken by someone nearby. It means 'smile at him' or 'smile at her.'"

Language as a bridge to identity: The Anishinaabemowin language serves as a powerful tool for connecting Indigenous people to their cultural roots and ancestral wisdom. Learning and speaking the language becomes a form of healing, allowing individuals to reclaim their identity and understand their place in the world.

Cultural practices as medicine: Traditional ceremonies, such as the sundance, sweat lodge, and naming ceremonies, provide Indigenous people with a sense of belonging and purpose. These practices offer a holistic approach to healing, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

Ways language supports healing:

• Connects individuals to ancestral knowledge
• Provides a unique worldview and perspective
• Strengthens community bonds

Cultural practices that promote healing:

• Sundance ceremonies
• Sweat lodge rituals
• Traditional naming ceremonies
• Storytelling and oral traditions

3. Reconciliation: A personal journey of forgiveness and understanding

"Reconciliation is realized when two people come together and understand that what they share unites them and that what is different about them needs to be respected."

Breaking cycles of anger: Wab Kinew's father, Tobasonakwut, demonstrates the power of forgiveness in breaking the cycle of anger and resentment. By choosing to reconcile with the Catholic Church, despite the trauma he experienced in residential schools, he sets an example of how personal healing can contribute to broader societal reconciliation.

Building bridges between cultures: The adoption ceremony between Indigenous leaders and Archbishop James Weisgerber symbolizes the potential for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This act of mutual respect and understanding shows that it is possible to acknowledge past wrongs while working towards a shared future.

Steps towards reconciliation:

• Acknowledging historical injustices
• Engaging in cross-cultural dialogue
• Participating in traditional ceremonies together
• Embracing forgiveness as a path to healing

4. The importance of family and community in Indigenous life

"We are all related."

Kinship beyond blood ties: Indigenous communities often extend the concept of family beyond immediate blood relations. This expanded sense of kinship creates a strong support system and fosters a sense of belonging for individuals within the community.

Intergenerational learning: The passing down of knowledge, traditions, and stories from elders to younger generations is a crucial aspect of Indigenous culture. This intergenerational exchange helps maintain cultural continuity and provides guidance for navigating contemporary challenges.

Elements of Indigenous family and community:

• Extended kinship networks
• Shared responsibility for child-rearing
• Respect for elders and their wisdom
• Collective decision-making processes

Ways to strengthen community bonds:

• Participation in traditional ceremonies
• Sharing of cultural knowledge and practices
• Collaborative community projects
• Support for language revitalization efforts

5. Idle No More: The resurgence of Indigenous activism

"Idle No More would become more than a protest about the federal budget. It would be the spark that landed on the tinderbox of grievances and challenges faced by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people in Canada and the United States."

Grassroots mobilization: The Idle No More movement demonstrated the power of grassroots organizing in bringing Indigenous issues to the forefront of national discourse. Social media played a crucial role in amplifying the message and connecting activists across the country.

Broader impact: While initially focused on specific legislative changes, Idle No More evolved into a broader movement addressing long-standing issues of Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and social justice. The movement inspired a new generation of Indigenous activists and allies.

Key issues addressed by Idle No More:

• Protection of Indigenous land and water rights
• Environmental conservation
• Honoring of treaty obligations
• Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination

Tactics used in the movement:

• Social media campaigns
• Flash mob round dances
• Teach-ins and educational events
• Peaceful protests and demonstrations

6. The challenges of navigating two worlds: Indigenous and Western

"We participate in the broader society along with others, but we also bring many previous outsiders into our culture and into our world view, my own mother included."

Cultural balancing act: Many Indigenous people face the challenge of maintaining their traditional cultures while also participating in mainstream society. This dual existence can lead to internal conflicts and external pressures as individuals strive to honor their heritage while pursuing opportunities in the Western world.

Education as a tool for empowerment: While historically used as a means of assimilation, education has become a powerful tool for Indigenous empowerment. By pursuing higher education, individuals like Wab Kinew and his sister Shawon are able to advocate for their communities and bridge the gap between Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.

Challenges of living in two worlds:

• Balancing traditional values with modern expectations
• Overcoming stereotypes and discrimination
• Maintaining cultural identity in urban settings
• Navigating conflicting worldviews

Strategies for successful integration:

• Embracing both traditional and Western education
• Practicing cultural traditions while engaging in mainstream society
• Using technology to preserve and share Indigenous knowledge
• Building alliances with non-Indigenous allies and supporters

7. The role of spirituality in Indigenous identity and healing

"We sacrifice a piece of ourselves to back up our prayers with action, showing that we want good things for our friends and relatives more than we want comfort for ourselves."

Holistic approach to well-being: Indigenous spirituality often takes a holistic approach to health and healing, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of life. Ceremonies and rituals provide a means of addressing imbalances and promoting overall well-being.

Adapting traditions: While maintaining core spiritual beliefs, many Indigenous people have found ways to adapt their practices to contemporary life. This flexibility allows for the preservation of traditional knowledge while acknowledging the realities of modern existence.

Key elements of Indigenous spirituality:

• Connection to the land and natural world
• Respect for ancestral teachings and wisdom
• Belief in the interconnectedness of all things
• Use of ceremony and ritual for healing and guidance

Ways spirituality supports healing:

• Providing a sense of purpose and belonging
• Offering coping mechanisms for trauma and stress
• Fostering community support and connection
• Promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being

8. Facing mortality: Lessons from a father's final days

"There will be a time for grief," Ndede went on, "but don't grieve for me too long. Don't be like those people who cry on and on and on. I don't want you to cry for me."

Dignity in dying: Tobasonakwut Kinew's approach to his final days demonstrates the importance of maintaining dignity and purpose even in the face of terminal illness. His focus on reconciliation and passing on cultural knowledge exemplifies the Indigenous value of leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

The power of presence: The family's decision to maintain a bedside vigil during Tobasonakwut's final days highlights the importance of being present for loved ones during their transition. This act of love and support provides comfort not only to the dying but also to those left behind.

Lessons from Tobasonakwut's final days:

• Importance of forgiveness and reconciliation
• Value of passing on cultural knowledge
• Strength found in family and community support
• Dignity in facing mortality

Ways to honor the dying process:

• Maintaining open communication about wishes and fears
• Creating opportunities for meaningful goodbyes
• Participating in cultural or spiritual rituals
• Preserving and sharing the person's stories and teachings

Last updated: January 24, 2025