By Bryan Eneas

Stanley Mission welcomes home water protectors

Jan 23, 2017 | 1:00 PM

It was all hugs and handshakes yesterday in Stanley Mission.

Six water protectors departed from the small community at the end of November to make their way to Standing Rock, N.D. Almost two months to the day, they found their way back home.

The idea to walk to North Dakota was Ricky Sanderson’s, who brought his father Ricky Sr. on their journey to provide mentorship and assist the younger walkers where possible. He said he hoped to inspire youth not only in Stanley Mission, but across Canada.

“I did this for the youth. I did it for them,” Sanderson said. “The community here is struggling. I wanted to do something for the youth… That’s what I wanted to do, inspire the youth and encourage them to do something good in life.”

The “Youth Unity Walk for Sacred Waters,” as they called their journey, might have driven most of the way back, but made the homestretch into Stanley Mission on foot. The community welcomed them back with a gathering and a feast. Each person who participated in the trek took time to speak about their experiences.

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Marge Roberts-McKenzie, used her previous experiences to aid the water protectors on their journey. Her and her husband walked from Stanley Mission to Ottawa in 2013.

“I asked ‘can I come?’ because I was determined to go on that walk,” Roberts-McKenzie said. “From what I experienced, I know when you’re doing a walk it’s very spiritual. You go through a healing journey.”

Charlene Charles, was the designated water carrier during the walk to Standing Rock. She brought with her a ceremonial jar of blessed Churchill River water as a means to protect North Dakota’s Lake Oahe. Charles said the journey and her special appointment, helped her connect to her culture and herself.  

“It’s a good way of healing,” Charles said. “It’s what healed me. I’m still healing.”

She said her goal now is to implement talking and healing circles to help the youth of Stanley Mission.

Asa Ballantyne had a tough go on the walk. He wasn’t able to cross the border with the walkers because he lost his wallet between Duck Lake and Saskatoon.

“I’m sad I couldn’t go the whole way with them,” Ballantyne said. “I’m glad they made it. I’m very proud they kept going.”

Despite a shortened journey, Ballantyne said he felt as though he learned a lot along the way.

After they spoke, each member of the group was welcomed home with a blanket, and some dried meats. Everyone affirmed their journey had just begun. The “Youth Unity Walk for Sacred Waters” crew planned on presenting their slideshow to interested schools and communities.

Bryan Eneas is paNOW’s Indigenous and northern reporter. He can be reached at Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca or tweet him: @BryanEneas.