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On Monday, March 25th, a group of people gathered around a muddy road, making their way to an Algonquin heritage site called Victoria Island, in Ottawa. The smell of tobacco and smoke filled the air, and loud drumming and chanting could be heard from a distance. There was excitement in the air.
In the middle of the crowd, amongst cameras and microphones, and the general public, were numerous young people. They looked tired, but quietly satisfied nonetheless.
They began as seven, and grew to more than two hundred strong. The original seven, had walked from Hudson Bay to Parliament Hill, more than 1,600 km. The rest joined in the walk later, inspired. Some walked from Maniwaki, some walked from Wakefield.
This historical walk was called, “The Journey of the Nishiyuu”, or “Journey of the People” in Cree. There were people of all ages, from elders to infants who were carried.
At Victoria Island, as crowds waited for the walkers to arrive, a seven year old girl beamed as she told me about her walk from Maniwaki to Ottawa. “My feet were very tired,” she chirped, “My brother and sister walked the whole way, and I walked on and off.”
Two people held up a large banner, saying, “Honor Your Word”. I took this to mean “Tell the truth”, and I wondered how trust can be brought back into a broken relationship.
In order to move forward, these young people felt strongly that the First Nations must unite in their cause, and always be there for each other.
Muslims could learn a thing or two from these young people. As our brothers and sisters are dying in other countries around the world, we could walk in support of them, to show we stand with them in solidarity.
As flags were raised together and flew together in the light spring breeze at Victoria Island, I dreamt of a day when we would all unite to help each other, for justice and humanity.
Aadam Sherazi is a Grade 6 student at Alfurqan School's full time Quran memorization program. He enjoys writing in his spare time.
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