The Omushkegowuk Walkers and several others start trek from James Bay to Ottawa

The Omushkegowuk Walkers, Danny Metatawabin and
two other Attawapiskat residents, Brian Okimaw and Paul Mattinas, set out on foot Jan. 4 on a trek from James Bay to Ottawa. Readers may remember Metatawabin as a speaker for Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence during her hunger strike last year. Metatawabin said he was inspired to do the trek by the Cree walkers who completed a three-month walk last March called the Journey of Nishiyuu. They traveled from their community in Quebec to Ottawa. Metatawabin said he wants to raise awareness that a year has gone by since the hunger strike and Idle No More protests and despite assurances from government that movement would be made in key areas for First Nations people, nothing has changed. “A year went by and nothing really happened. There was no follow up or reports or engagement with the grassroots people,” Metatawabin said. Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy has asked for the public’s support of the walk by donating to the cause. “It is with great strength and commitment that these walkers are continuing their pledge to bring an awareness of the chronic underfunding in our communities for basic human needs such as clean water, proper housing and healthcare needs,” said Beardy. “As leaders we feel their frustration in dealing with a government that doesn’t listen to our concerns and with the widening poverty gap between mainstream society and the First Nations, now is the time to listen and to act. Our thoughts and prayers are with them on every step of their trek to Ottawa.”