By Bryan Eneas

Memorial walk hopes to heal community wounds 10 years later

Sep 4, 2016 | 8:00 AM

After 10 years the emotional wounds to a community after a shooting have not healed and the victim’s families are still working to memorialize their deceased loved ones.

In 2006, Dwayne Badger and Greg Whitefish lost their lives after a violent incident in Mistawasis. A house party at the Mistawasis First Nation turned violent and a firearm was pulled, leading to their deaths.

The families gathered on Saturday, Sept. 3 in Mistawasis to walk from the spot where the bodies were found.

Sherry Bird has participated in every walk for her nephew, Greg Whitefish, and said she will participate every year, even if she has to use a walker or be pushed the length of the walk.

“I hope this walk will help (the families) deal with it, because a lot of them are not dealing with it,” she said. “It’s too painful, and there’s too much anger over the court ruling.”

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Bird said the anger stemmed from the lack of justice after the alleged murderer was acquitted by an 11-member jury at Prince Albert’s Court of Queen’s Bench.

“When you have too much anger in you, you can’t grieve. I hope for them, that they can overcome that anger and start to live again,” Bird said.

Bird’s sister, Patricia Daniels, normally organizes the walk. This year, she has taken some time for herself to visit the United States. According to family, she walked alone while in the United States.

“It’s hard not to have her here, but I’m glad she finally took some time to herself,” Bird said.

Roughly 30 people showed up to show their support to the families. Each person carried a rose and dropped pedals along the way to honor both men.

“I’m glad they do this (walk) every year. Usually you go for years, and then you quit. At least this one is every year. It keeps your spirit alive, it keeps you going,” Bird said.

As the walk got underway, a horse broke free from its enclosure to watch the walkers go by, which Bird said it has done for every walk. Many walkers relish this particular moment, as Badger was a lover of horses and worked around them frequently.

People on the walk commented it was as if Badger was walking with them.

At the end of the walk, family members gathered to say a prayer and share their healing journey with each other. An eagle sored overhead as tears were shed, and stories about both men were told. Mistawasis’ Chief Daryl Watson commented on the eagle, saying it represents Whitefish.

“They are both with us in spirit today, and every day,” Watson said. “This is not a day of remembrance. This is a day of healing, and remembering all the good things about these two men.”

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas